Posted on: Thursday, January 13, 2005

Vicious dog law may get tougher

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Dog owners may soon face stiffer penalties if their animals attack people or pets.

The minimum fine could rise from $50 to $500 for owners convicted of negligently keeping a dangerous dog that injures a person or animal.

Under a bill advanced yesterday by a City Council panel, convicted owners would also face a mandatory jail or probation term and be required to pay for medical expenses and financial losses of injured victims. Such penalties are currently subject to a judge's discretion at sentencing.

The council's Public Safety Committee amended the bill yesterday to require that dogs not ordered destroyed after an attack be kept on leashes no longer than 4 feet long when outdoors. Eight-foot leashes are currently allowed.

Negligent failure to control a dangerous dog is a petty misdemeanor. The bill, sponsored by council chairman Donovan Dela Cruz, would require a 30-day jail sentence or six months' probation. The maximum fine would remain $2,000.

The Hawaiian Humane Society received 380 calls about dangerous dogs or bites during 2004, according to the agency's president, Pamela Burns.

The agency issued 126 dangerous dog warnings and 25 citations, she said. Eight owners were fined and sentenced to six months' probation. The average fine was $200.

Burns said an increase of the minimum fine may be warranted, but that a $500 fine may be excessive.

Committee chairman Gary Okino said changes will be considered. The full council could hold a public hearing and take a preliminary vote on Jan. 26. A final vote could come next month.

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.