HB679 Summary

• Proposes a local constitutional amendment for DeKalb County unincorporated areas establishing procedures to declare dogs dangerous based on unprovoked attacks or injuries to humans.

• Dogs declared dangerous with serious physical injury must be humanely euthanized; those without serious injury may be returned to owner if owner meets registration requirements within 30 days, including rabies vaccination, microchip identification, spaying/neutering, and $100,000 liability insurance.

• Dangerous dogs must be confined in secure enclosures with locked structures, concrete pads or 2-foot underground fence barriers, proper ventilation, and warning signs; owner must be at least 18 years old.

• Establishes criminal penalties including Class C felony if a previously declared dangerous dog causes serious injury or death, Class A misdemeanor for undeclared dangerous dogs with prior owner knowledge, and Class B or C misdemeanor for improper enclosure violations.

• Provides immunity from liability for DeKalb County officials and employees acting pursuant to the amendment; requires voter approval through referendum conducted per Amendment 555.