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HB 1346

Relating to an attack by a dangerous dog; increasing a criminal penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Liz Campos and 4 co-sponsors

Texas bill increases criminal penalties for owners whose dangerous dogs attack people, aiming to enhance public safety through stricter liability enforcement.

Referred to Public Health
#animals(i0035) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200)
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Bill Summary · HB 1346

Legislative bill overview

HB 1346 increases criminal penalties for owners whose dangerous dogs attack people in Texas. The bill modifies existing dangerous dog liability statutes to impose stricter consequences for dog owners who fail to control or properly restrain animals that cause injury or death.

Why is this important

Dog attack incidents resulting in serious injury or death create public safety concerns and often lead to costly medical treatment, legal disputes, and emotional trauma for victims. Strengthening penalties aims to incentivize responsible pet ownership and potentially reduce preventable attacks through deterrence and stricter enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. public safety: Pet owners may argue the bill unfairly penalizes them for animal behavior they cannot fully control, particularly if circumstances are ambiguous
  • Definition of "dangerous dog": Disputes may arise over how dangerous dogs are identified and classified—breed-based definitions are controversial and may disproportionately affect certain dog types
  • Penalty severity and fairness: Critics may contend that increased criminal penalties don't address root causes (negligent owners, lack of enforcement of existing laws) and could result in excessive punishment relative to actual harm

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

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