SB232 Summary: Emily's Law

• Establishes a procedure for declaring dogs "dangerous" based on biting, attacking, or causing physical injury/death to persons without justification, with investigations conducted by animal control officers or law enforcement.

• Dogs declared dangerous that caused serious physical injury or death must be humanely euthanized; dogs that caused lesser injury may be returned to owners if they meet strict conditions including microchipping, spaying/neutering, $100,000 surety bond, and annual $100 registration fee.

• Creates criminal penalties including Class B felony for previously declared dangerous dogs causing serious injury/death, Class C felony for undeclared dangerous dogs causing serious injury/death with owner knowledge, and Class A-B misdemeanors for physical injury cases.

• Requires dangerous dogs outside enclosures to be restrained with secure collar and leash; establishes "proper enclosure" standards including lockable structures with secure sides/top sunk two feet into ground, "Dangerous Dog" warning signs, and adequate ventilation.

• Effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval; does not repeal other criminal laws or restrict counties/municipalities from adopting more stringent ordinances.