Attorneys Argue Florida Dangerous Dog Laws Are Unfair
Naples, FL attorneys representing dog owners of dogs that have been designated as “dangerous dogs” argue that the dangerous dog laws in Florida are unfair to owners and unconstitutional. According to the Naplesnews.com website, a first offense can result in the “dangerous dog” designation and the dog could be quarantined for 10 days.
A second offense also results in 10-day quarantine and could result in the dog being put to sleep. A criminal investigation could be launched against the dog’s owner and the owner could face a fine and either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on whether or not a person was killed as a result of the dog bite.
The attorneys representing owners of four dogs involved in dog-bite incidents argue that the designation of “dangerous dog” was handed down without substantial evidence and without proper testimony against the dogs or the owners. Under dangerous dog laws, dog owners have seven days to appeal the designation or allow the designation to remain and they must then keep their dogs in a six-sided cage. They must also post signs at their houses and enlist their dogs in a dangerous dogs list. In addition to all of this, dog owners must also pay $300 a-year to register their dogs and spay or neuter them.
According to this report, between 2008 and 2010, 59 dangerous dog cases were investigated and thirty-five of the dogs involved in each case were designated as dangerous dogs. Fifteen were given over to Domestic Animal Services, 20 were given back to owners and 22 were not declared as dangerous dogs. Although these dangerous dog laws may seem unfair, the argument could also be made that the dog laws are set in place in order to keep the number of dog bite incidents at a minimum. Every dog owner should be held liable for their dogs’ actions and if an incident does occur and a lawsuit should be filed on behalf of the victim if they suffer any sort of injury.
