RELATING TO DOG ATTACKS.

Changed the required disposition of a dog found liable for livestock damage from 'prompt destruction' to 'humane euthanasia'.

Expanded the conditions under which a dog may be destroyed to include cases where the dog is persistently pursuing or harassing livestock, not just actively injuring them.

Updated the complaint filing requirement to state that the owner was 'responsible' for the dog rather than just 'in charge' of it.

Added a new requirement stating that any destruction of a dog must use reasonable means and not be intended to cause undue suffering.

Clarified owner liability to apply when an owner neglects or refuses to confine or destroy a dog after an incident, making them guilty of a misdemeanor if further damage occurs.

Expanded the right to destroy an attacking dog from only the livestock owner or their family to any person.

Introduced a new formal complaint process requiring written complaints detailing the incident, signed by the complainant, and including specific information about the dog and damage.

Added a structured court procedure where judges issue summons to dog owners to show cause why the dog should not be destroyed, with specific rules for service and return dates.

Changed the effective date of the Act from 'upon approval' to a fixed future date of July 1, 3000.

The liability for dog attacks and the right to destroy an attacking dog now only apply if the incident occurs on land within the agricultural district, removing protections for livestock on other private lands.

The authority to destroy an attacking dog is now explicitly limited to the livestock owner, the owner's agent, or the owner's family member.

A new requirement mandates that any authorized destruction of a dog must use means reasonable under the circumstances and not intended to cause undue suffering.

The judicial process for ordering a dog's destruction was removed and replaced with a provision allowing the judge to order humane euthanasia directly.