House Bill 470 Summary

• Removes provisions regarding vicious dogs from existing law and replaces them with a comprehensive "Idaho Dangerous and At-Risk Dogs Act" establishing definitions and procedures for declaring dogs dangerous or at-risk.

• Defines "at-risk dog" as one that bites without justified provocation but causes no serious injury, and "dangerous dog" as one inflicting serious injury or previously found at-risk that subsequently bites or attacks.

• Authorizes bite victims or their guardians to petition courts to declare dogs dangerous or at-risk, with courts having discretion to impose requirements including secure enclosure, leashing, microchipping, warning signs, and muzzling.

• Establishes penalties for violating court-ordered restrictions: first violation is a misdemeanor with $200-$5,000 fine; second violation within 5 years carries up to 6 months jail and $500-$7,000 fine; third or subsequent violation within 15 years carries up to 12 months jail and $500-$9,000 fine.

• Allows at-risk designation to be waived after 3 years if the dog remains incident-free and the owner complies with all requirements; permits local governments to adopt more restrictive dangerous dog definitions that are not breed-specific.