Has the ASPCA Been Involved in Creating Dangerous Dog/Reckless Owner Laws?
The ASPCA’s Government Relations department has a strong history of helping to create and promote comprehensive, breed-neutral dangerous dog laws. As an example, here is a partial list of recent Illinois legislation that the ASPCA had a hand in drafting and/or passing: • IL, 2006: House Resolution on Dangerous Dog Education This House Resolution encourages municipalities not to enact breed-specific laws, but rather to establish programs to educate residents and pass laws defining accountability for irresponsible dog owners. It encourages municipalities to address animal attacks by enforcing laws that encourage responsible and humane treatment of dogs and all other animals. • IL, 2006: Penalties for Dog Attacks Spearheaded by the ASPCA, this law increased the penalties for owners who fail to properly restrain dogs who have been deemed dangerous or vicious. It also allows for the recovery of damages for injuries sustained immediately preceding or following an animal attack. • IL, 2007: F
