Enacts "Penny's law" to create the offenses of negligent and reckless handling of a dog, codifies the requirement that dogs be restrained, and requires signs in parks that dogs must be restrained
What changed between versions
Added four new sponsors to the bill (Brabenec, Kay, Lucas, Angelino, Chang) and one multi-sponsor (Levenberg), indicating broader legislative support.
Changed the bill's status from first being read and referred to committee, to being discharged, amended, and recommitted, then again reported with amendments and recommitted, showing the bill was reviewed and revised by the committee.
Maintained provisions requiring seizure and impoundment of dogs involved in first-degree offenses, and disqualification from dog licensing for the owner and household members.
Added a new offense of 'negligent handling of a dog' as a violation (less serious than a misdemeanor) for allowing a dog to injure a person, cat, or other dog without justification.
Strengthened the first-degree reckless handling offense to explicitly include situations where a handler instructs a dog to injure or kill a cat, dog, or person using verbal commands, gestures, or other commands without threat of imminent danger.
Added a new offense of 'reckless handling of a dog in the second degree' for injuries requiring hospitalization or resulting in death, including humane euthanasia.
