Bill Aimed at Improving State Response to Dangerous Dogs
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A state lawmaker has called for an overhaul of Idaho's laws regarding dangerous dogs that would invalidate a half-dozen county or city ordinances that ban or restrict certain breeds.
House Majority Leader Mike Moyle introduced legislation Wednesday that allows courts to decide whether a dog needs to be put down and gives dog attack victims a chance to sue for damages.
It also allows local governments to adopt stricter rules for dangerous dogs as long as they don't target specific breeds. Under the bill, owners of dogs who have bitten people would face higher fines and jail time for subsequent offenses.
Executive director of the Idaho Humane Society, Dr. Jeff Rosenthal, supports Moyle's legislation. He says current state law doesn't do enough to protect people from dangerous dogs.