Minn. May Toughen Dangerous Dog Law

April 9, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn -- Following two years of increased media reporting on dog attacks in the state, Minnesota legislatures have introduced a pair of bills that aim to prevent “dangerous” dog owners from being nonchalant about their pets.

In 2007, a boy was killed, another person mauled and a Pomeranian, named Gretchen, lost her life to unruly canines.

And already in 2008, at least two other dogs have been involved in attacks -- one of which lead to the death of its canine victim, and another that left one woman’s Labrador retriever severely wounded.

According to a study by the Minnesota Hospital Association -- as reported by WCCO -- the state saw a 40 percent increase in the number of dog attacks from 1998 to 2005.

Figures like that coupled with intense media coverage and urging from local humane societies convinced Rep. Michael Paymar of the Minnesota Democratic Farm Labor Party that something needed to be done.

“These (stories) are just getting more and more coverage,” said Rep. Paymar during an interview with Pet Pulse.

Rep. Paymar’s solution was to sponsor two bills, S.F. 2876 and HF 2906, that in his words, will “tighten up” the existing dangerous dog laws as they pertain to offending animals’ owners.

S.F. 2876 defines “provocation” as “an act that could reasonably cause a dog to attack.”

This definition sets the tone for the rest of the legislation, placing the responsibility of dog attacks on causal factors -- namely, their owners.

S.F. 2876 requires owners of dogs deemed potentially dangerous or dangerous to post signs on their property that children will understand -- warning of the animals. Such canines must be registered with the city, wear special tags, be muzzled when outside their confinements -- whether on their owner’s property or not.

And while those aspects of the law are what will be “tightened,” an entirely new section has been added that pertains to court procedures and ownership. To see the details of that section, follow the link at the bottom of this article.

By redefining the law in terms of the owners’ responsibilities, Rep. Paymar hopes to ease the concerns of Minnesota residents like John Fena and Edwin Schumaker -- the owners of a Pomeranian named Gretchen that was killed by two loose pit bulls -- for whom irresponsible pet ownership lead to the loss of a loved companion.

“I’m hopeful this will be a good first step in assuaging the people’s fears,” Rep. Paymar said.

And a positive first step it has been -- especially for “bully breeds.” According to Rep. Paymar, Rep. John Lesch had similar plans for this year’s legislative session -- except he was focused on a breed specific bill that would limit ownership of so called “bully breeds.”

What could have been devastating for breeds like pit bulls, bull dogs and others has placed responsibility on those in charge of their upbringing.

Rep. Paymar learned about the reality of “dangerous” and “potentially dangerous” canines from local humane societies, the education from which allowed him to refocus the bill into what has emerged today.

With the help of Sen. Ellen R. Anderson, who was unavailable for comment at press time, the move has made it through the Senate. It goes to the house next week and the governor’s desk after that.

To see details on each of these laws, follow this link to Rep. Michael Paymar’s Web site and click “Bills Authored.”

www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/members.asp?district=64B

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