Breed-Neutral Dangerous Dog Legislation Introduced

Last month Representative Lesch introduced legislation, H.F. 115, requiring the owners of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs (as defined by section 347.50 of the Minnesota Statutes) complete a responsible dog owner class. The law outlines standards for the class itself, who may teach it, and what the curriculum should look like. The law also calls for the creation of a database containing information about dogs in the state who have been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous, as well as those dogs' owners. H.F. 115 was introduced in the Public Safety and Policy Oversight Committee, and was referred to the Crime Victims/Criminal Division Committee.

Folks may recall that Representative Lesch introduced Breed Specific Legislation in 2008, which Pet Haven and other rescue organizations opposed. Instead of BSL, a breed-neutral dangerous dog law passed unanimously at the end of the session, and Governor Pawlenty signed it into law. The good news is that H.F. 115 is also breed-neutral, and builds upon the dangerous dog law passed last year. Also interesting to note, is that one of H.F. 115's authors is Representative Paymar, who also co-authored H.F. 253, the puppy/kitten mill bill that Pet Haven supports.