HB651 Summary

• Proposes constitutional amendment for Madison County (unincorporated areas) establishing procedures to declare dogs "dangerous" based on unprovoked attacks or bites causing physical injury to humans.

• Dogs declared dangerous that caused serious physical injury must be humanely euthanized; dogs declared dangerous without serious injury may be returned to owner if owner meets registration requirements including rabies vaccination, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and $100,000 liability insurance.

• Requires dangerous dogs be confined in secure enclosures with locked structures, buried sides at least 2 feet deep or concrete pads, and "Dangerous Dog - No Trespassing" signage.

• Establishes criminal penalties including Class C felony if previously declared dangerous dog kills or injures person; Class A misdemeanor for undeclared dangerous dogs causing serious injury when owner had prior knowledge; Class B-C misdemeanors for improper confinement.

• Provides immunity to Madison County employees and officials from liability for actions taken under the amendment absent negligence, wantonness, recklessness, or deliberate misconduct; allows dog owners to petition for dangerous designation removal after 18 months if compliance demonstrated.