SB 402 Summary

• Amends 4 O.S. 2011, Section 41 regarding animals chasing or injuring livestock, updating statutory language and expanding liability of animal owners for damages including reasonable attorney fees and litigation expenses.

• Authorizes animal control officers and law enforcement to seize a potentially dangerous dog without a warrant if the dog is running at large, if there is probable cause the dog is dangerous and poses continuing threat, or pursuant to Section 47 of the animal control statute.

• Allows courts to order seizure of a dog upon motion by the plaintiff or court's own motion during civil damage actions, with probable cause finding that the dog is potentially dangerous or will be adjudicated a common nuisance.

• Makes the dog owner responsible for costs of seizure and confinement, unless the owner prevails in any civil action, in which case costs are taxed against the non-prevailing party.

• Clarifies that municipalities and counties are not required to operate animal welfare facilities or accept seized animals from other jurisdictions; adds definitions for "potentially dangerous dog," "dangerous dog," "livestock," and related terms.