Dog Owners Must Accept Responsibility For Attacks

Current Texas law says that an owner of a dangerous dog cannot be convicted of a crime, unless that dog has already attacked once and been declared a dangerous animal. This law has been known as "one free bite". But Rep. Dan Gattis (R-Georgetown) wants to change that.

Rep. Gattis has introduced a bill (HB 1355) that would eliminate that "one free bite". Gattis' bill would make an unprovoked dog attack a third-degree felony the first time, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine. If the victim dies, it would be elevated to a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

This may sound like overkill to some, but I find myself in agreement with this bill. There are far too many owners of dangerous dogs who simply refuse to take responsibility for controlling their animals. Many of these animals (such as pit bulls, dobermans, etc.) are too dangerous to let them run loose, especially in an urban enviornment.Innocent victims should not have to pay the price for an owners neglect.

Understand, I am not talking about all dog owners, nor am I saying you don't have the right to own any kind of dog you wish. This bill is not aimed at any particular breed nor is it aimed at responsible owners.

But the irresponsible owners are posing a serious hazard to innocent people. They should be held accountable for their unwillingness to control their dangerous animals. They do not have the right to place their fellow citizens in danger.

I don't know if this law has a real chance to be passed by both the House and Senate and be signed into law. So far, it has only been passed by the House. But I do hope it becomes law. "One free bite" is a ridiculous and dangerous concept.