A bill known as the “Pam Rock Act” has passed both the Florida Senate and Florida House. It awaits the signature or veto of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The bill increases regulations for owners of dogs that have caused death or major injuries. The bill’s provisions include:
– Confiscation and impoundment of animals under investigation as dangerous dogs that have killed a person or caused injuries scoring 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale.
– Animals involved in other dangerous dog investigations must also be confiscated.
– The animal control authority must inform the owner through registered mail or certified delivery if their dog is classified as dangerous.
– Owners must secure liability insurance with at least $100,000 coverage and implant a microchip in the dog. Removing the microchip is a third-degree felony.
– If a dangerous dog has killed a person or caused serious injuries and is surrendered, it must be humanely destroyed.
This legislation was spurred by incidents, including the death of a mail carrier in Putnam County and the tragic loss of 8-year-old Michael Millett in January due to a dog attack in Volusia County.
