Hawaii Senate Bill SR189

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/1/22
• Passed: 4/4/22

Caption

Urging The Counties To More Effectively And Meaningfully Coordinate Their Police Enforcement And Public Awareness Efforts With The State And With Humane Societies And Other Animal Welfare Organizations Concerning The Dangers Posed By Unleashed Dogs To Humans And To Other Animals In Public Areas.

Note

In conclusion, SR189 is crucial for improving public awareness and safety regarding unleashed dogs in Hawaii. It lays down a framework for coordination between law enforcement and humane organizations, aiming to educate the public and enforce laws that protect both community members and their pets.

Impact

This resolution serves as a call to action for the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, County of Hawaii, and County of Kauai, urging them to enforce existing laws and ordinances related to leash control and animal presence in public spaces. By strengthening enforcement efforts, the resolution aims to enhance public safety and minimize the risks associated with unleashed dogs in areas where they are prohibited. Specifically, it emphasizes the necessity for counties to work collaboratively with humane societies to coordinate animal control services effectively, thereby ensuring prompt responses to incidents involving dog attacks.

Summary

Senate Resolution 189 (SR189) addresses the pressing issue of unleashed dogs and their implications on public safety in Hawaii. It urges the counties to improve their coordination of police enforcement and public awareness efforts concerning the dangers posed by unleashed dogs, not just to humans but also to other pet animals. The legislature recognized that dog bites are significant contributors to emergency room visits, surpassing injuries from incidents like motorcycle accidents and gunshots. It highlights the need for a cohesive response to dog-related incidents that often confuse those seeking assistance due to unclear delineations of roles among law enforcement and animal control authorities.

Contention

While SR189 advocates for the enforcement of leash laws and public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of unleashed dogs, it also highlights the potential challenges associated with enforcement. There is a concern that a lack of clarity regarding the responsibilities and authority of different enforcement bodies could hinder effective action in situations involving dog attacks. The resolution thus seeks to clarify these roles to ensure that victims can receive immediate and meaningful assistance when disputes arise. This aspect might generate discussions around accountability and the adequacy of current animal control ordinances.