New ‘Dangerous Dog’ Law Now in EffectA state law providing recourse for owners of companion animals attacked by other dogs went into effect on Dec. 15, 2004. The issue gained community attention early last fall with news reports of neighborhood pit bull attacks on other dogs. The new law expands the circumstances under which a dog can be determined dangerous, from solely attacks on people to attacks on companion animals as well. The new law also gives the courts additional options when a dog is determined to be dangerous. Previously, a judge was limited to permanent confinement or euthanasia. That’s now expanded to include obedience training; behavior evaluation; leashing; supervision; muzzling and maintenance of liability insurance. All dogs found dangerous are required to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Eva Moskowitz has written a letter, also signed by Assemblyman Jonathan Bing and City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, to City Health Department Commissioner Thomas Frieden asking that the City’s Dangerous Dog Advisory Board, in existence but not being used, be activated to hear complaints. And she has drafted a “Pet Protection Act” calling for penalties on dangerous dogs’ owners. The bill is to be heard by the Council’s Health Committee in February.
The Turtle Bay Association is a nonprofit (501c3) community organization.
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