Downloads
CS/HB 593 — Dangerous Dogs
by Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee and Rep. Sapp and others (CS/CS/SB 572 by Fiscal Policy Committee; Judiciary Committee; and Senators Collins and Wright)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Agriculture Committee (AG)
The bill creates the “Pam Rock Act,” which revises the state regulation of dangerous dogs. The bill:
- Requires the confiscation and impoundment of an animal that is being investigated as a dangerous dog and that has killed a person or has bitten and left a mark that scores 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale.
- Permits the confiscation and impoundment of an animal that is subject to any other dangerous dog investigations.
- Requires an animal control authority to notify the owner of the final order classifying their dangerous dog by registered mail or certified hand delivery in conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to service of process.
- Requires the owner of a dog classified as dangerous to obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000 and implant a microchip in the dog. The bill creates a third degree felony for the removal of the microchip.
- Requires an animal control authority to humanely euthanize a dangerous dog that has killed a person or has bitten and left a mark that scores 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale and has been surrendered to an animal control authority.
- Authorizes an animal control authority to humanely euthanize any other dangerous dog that is surrendered to an animal control authority.
- Changes the current penalty for an owner from a third degree felony to a second degree felony when a dog that has previously been declared dangerous attacks and causes severe injury or death to a human.
- Requires a shelter offering a dog for adoption that has been classified as a dangerous dog to post a sign informing potential adopters of the requirements to keep a dangerous dog.
- Provides that any person who resists or obstructs an animal control authority commits a first degree misdemeanor and provides penalties.
- Provides that an owner who has knowledge of their dog’s dangerous propensities commits a first degree misdemeanor if their dog causes severe injury or the death of a human and the owner demonstrated a reckless disregard for such propensities under the circumstances. Current law provides this is a second degree misdemeanor.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 112-0