The bill proposes amendments to existing statutes, specifically adjusting G.S. 67-1 and G.S. 67-12. It establishes that owners of dogs deemed 'at large'—those not under reasonable control in public areas—can be held liable for any injuries their dogs inflict. The redefinition of what constitutes a dog 'at large' includes instances such as dogs escaping poorly maintained enclosures or being walked off-leash in public without sufficient control. With these changes, the bill aims to enforce uniformity in how dog-related incidents are handled across the state.
House Bill 852, titled 'Safe Dogs, Safe Owners', aims to establish strict civil liability for dog bites occurring when a dog injures a person or domestic animal while running unleashed in public spaces. Currently, North Carolina's laws are fragmented across various counties and municipalities, resulting in inconsistent levels of protection for residents and their pets. This bill seeks to address the confusion and ineffectiveness of local leash and dog restraint laws, thereby enhancing public safety and accountability for dog owners.
The sentiment surrounding HB 852 appears to be supportive among proponents who advocate for stronger measures to ensure public safety and reduce the frequency of dog-bite incidents. They argue that making owners liable will encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of at-large dogs. However, there may be concerns among some dog owners regarding the implications of strict liability, potentially leading to apprehension about the responsibilities it places on them and the possibility of criminal penalties for violations.
Notable points of contention regarding this bill center on the potential to impose excessive penalties and civil liabilities on dog owners, particularly in cases where the circumstances of an incident are complex. Critics fear that the legislation could lead to unjust penalties for owners whose dogs may escape inadvertently or are involved in unpredictable situations, raising questions about the fairness and practicality of enforcing such strict liability laws for animal behavior.