House Bill 25-1034, titled "Changes to Dangerous Dog Statute," was introduced on January 8, 2025, and has passed the House with a vote of 56 in favor, 8 against, and 1 excused.
Key Provisions:
Scope of Exemption:
The bill modifies the dangerous dog statute to remove the exemption for veterinary health-care workers, dog groomers, humane agency personnel, professional dog handlers, or trainers when they suffer serious bodily injury. Previously, these professionals were exempt from certain provisions if they sustained serious bodily injury. The amendment now applies the statute to these individuals regardless of the severity of the injury.
This change aims to enhance the protection of professionals working with animals by holding dog owners accountable for injuries caused to these individuals during the performance of their duties.
Summary
In the case of a veterinary health-care worker, dog groomer,
humane agency personnel, professional dog handler, or trainer acting in the performance of that person's professional duties, the bill removes the term or serious bodily injury to the list provisions that the statute does not apply to, leaving just bodily injury.
