HB0638 Summary

• Amends the Animal Control Act to restrict who can file complaints declaring dogs vicious to only the Administrator, State's Attorney, or Director (removing citizen complaints), and requires investigations to establish probable cause before filing court complaints.

• Changes the legal standard for vicious dog declarations from a preponderance of evidence to clear and convincing evidence, requiring proof in circuit court rather than administrative determination.

• Establishes new defenses against vicious dog declarations when conduct was justified, including when the injured person was committing a crime, trespassing, abusing the dog, or the dog was protecting itself or household members.

• Requires vicious dogs to be spayed/neutered within 10 days, microchipped, and enclosed; imposes $100 public safety fine and $500 additional fine plus impoundment fees for non-compliance; allows judges discretion to order euthanasia.

• Modifies dangerous dog procedures to require probable cause determination before administrative action, allows expert testimony on dog behavior, and sets deadlines for owner notification and investigation completion within 10 business days.