Representative Mark Sylvia

Representative Mark Sylvia is the sponsor of An Act relative to dangerous dogs.

The dangerous dog law allows for any person to file a complaint seeking a municipally appointed hearing authority to make a determination whether a dog is a dangerous or a nuisance dog. The outcome of this hearing can result in an order to the owner or keeper of a dog to take remedial action. It additionally outlines the consequences for a violation of an order. Presently, the options available when a dog is deemed dangerous only include physical restraint or humane euthanasia. This bill would allow municipalities flexibility to order the dog to be evaluated by a knowledgeable professional to help address the issues that caused the dog to bite, while ensuring methods which can worsen aggression are not used. This bill also has further  improvements in the law to help keep the public safe while addressing dangerous dogs.