HB 685 extensively revises provisions relating to dangerous and vicious dogs, defining both, and providing for liability to owners for injuries and damage (to persons or property) caused by these dogs.

 

All counties and cities will have to designate an individual as a "dog control officer" to aid in the administration and enforcement of the act, with cities and counties being able to partner and provide one officer over multiple jurisdictions.  The dog control officer will receive complaints, make a determination whether a dog is dangerous or vicious, notify owners of said determination and will participate in a hearing process if it occurs.  They will also set out standards by which such dogs can be impounded or euthanized, maintain a registry of such dogs, and ensure the enforcement of other aspects of the law such as having these dogs microchipped and that vicious dogs carry liability insurance of no less than $50,000.        

 

The bill expressly allows local governments to charge any and all reasonable fees for administering the law; to be more restrictive in their regulations on dangerous and vicious dogs than prescribed by these minimum standards; and stipulates that local governments cannot be held liable for their failure to enforce any of these provisions that result in a person suffering an injury by a dangerous or vicious dog.