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A 6259

Creates criminal and civil penalties related to attacks by dogs; grants victim and owner of victimized animal hearing rights.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Sampson

Summary of A 6259: Creates Criminal and Civil Penalties for Dog Attacks OverviewBill Number: A 6259 Title: Creates criminal and civil penalties related to attacks by dogs; grants

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
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Bill Summary · A 6259

Summary of A 6259: Creates Criminal and Civil Penalties for Dog Attacks

Overview

Bill Number: A 6259
Title: Creates criminal and civil penalties related to attacks by dogs; grants victim and owner of victimized animal hearing rights.
Status: Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this bill is to establish new criminal and civil penalties for dog attacks that result in injury or death. The legislation aims to hold dog owners more accountable for the actions of their animals and provide greater protections and recourse for victims.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a new criminal offense of "dog attack" punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine if a dog attack results in serious physical injury or death to a person or companion animal
  • Allows victims of dog attacks or the owners of victimized animals to request a hearing to determine if the dog should be deemed "dangerous" and subject to additional restrictions on the owner
  • Establishes civil penalties of up to $15,000 that can be levied against dog owners if their animal attacks and injures a person or companion animal
  • Requires dog owners to maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000 to cover potential attack-related damages
  • Directs the state to create a public registry of dogs deemed "dangerous" due to prior attacks

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary parties affected by this legislation would be:

  • Dog owners, who face new criminal and civil penalties for attacks by their animals
  • Victims of dog attacks, who would gain new legal rights and avenues for recourse
  • Owners of companion animals attacked by dogs, who would also have new rights in the legal process
  • The general public, who may benefit from increased accountability and safety measures for dangerous dogs

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been introduced in the state Assembly and referred to the Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee for initial consideration. If it advances out of committee, it would then need to pass both the full Assembly and Senate before being sent to the governor for potential signature into law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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