To reduce the number of vicious-dog attacks in Kentucky, legislation has been filed that would keep pet owners from having any dog for five years if their current or previous animal is involved in more than two dog-biting incidents.
Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, worked on the bill with a constituent, Sarah Bogusewski, who was bitten by two dogs last March. It is alleged that the dogs’ owner had animals that were involved in other attacks as well.
“What happened to Sarah was horrible, and what made it worse was the fact that there was nothing in state law to stop this owner from repeatedly obtaining other animals that were also a threat to people,” Aull said. “I want to thank Sarah for her advocacy on this issue and for helping to make it less likely that what happened to her will happen to others.”
Under the measure, if an owner’s dog or dogs attack someone on more than two different occasions, the owner would be prohibited from possessing any dog for the next five years. The fine would be increased as well from the current $10 to a $100 to $250 penalty per dog involved.
In addition, the bill would require animal-control officers and any other law enforcement agency responsible for impounding or killing a vicious dog to keep a record of the incident for at least five years.
“Representative Aull’s bill is a commonsense measure that will give our legal system the additional tool it needs to stop these repeat offenders,” Bogusewski stated. “I am ready to do whatever I can to keep these owners from having animals that terrorize others. People should be able to enjoy their neighborhoods without worrying whether they’re going to be hurt.”
The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee. Read the proposal by following this link: House Bill 212.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
