HB 4219

Abstract

Amends the Animal Control Act. Provides that if any dog (now, certain vicious dogs), (1) inflicts serious physical injury upon any person other than the owner or causes the death of another person; and (2) the attack is unprovoked in a place where such person is peaceably conducting himself or herself and where such person may lawfully be; the owner of the dog is absolutely liable and shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony, unless the owner knowingly allowed the dog to run at large or failed to take steps to keep the dog in an enclosure, then the owner shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony. Provides that if any dog (now, certain dangerous dogs) inflicts serious physical injury on a companion animal the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.