Texas Senator Pushes For Harsher Dog-Bite Law - Page 1

A state senator is trying to implement a new law that would put any dog to sleep the first time it bites someone. The current law states that a judge decides the fate of a dog after the first bite, but state Sen. Jeff Wentworth from San Antonio doesn’t think dogs that bite once deserve a second chance. In a news release, Wentworth stated that most of the nearly 5 million dog attacks could be prevented if owners would restrain their dogs. “My bill will encourage them to do so, or face a stiff penalty for their irresponsibility,” the release stated. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is part of a group lining up against the proposal. SPCA’s Maura Davies said the current law gives judges wide discretion after a dog’s first bite. “The SPCA of Texas would support any legislation that held the owner accountable for the actions and not the animal,” she said. Dog owners like Steve Ferrer, of Dallas, said they are outraged by the proposal. “There’s no such thing as a bad dog,” Ferrer said. “Just bad owners." Wentworth’s release stated that the bill’s purpose is to get irresponsible dog owners to restrain their pets, not to discourage dog ownership. “I know how much pleasure a dog can bring to a home,” the release read. “My family and I have two dogs.” Jeff Wentworth’s News Release: