Proposed Criminal Penalties for Dog Owners

Christina Cole

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A Michigan state lawmaker wants to stop the dog equivalent of a hit-and-run by proposing criminal penalties for dog owners that flee the scene after their dog has bitten someone.

The legislation, to be approved by a House panel today, would make it a misdemeanor to leave the scene of a dog-biting incident, with a $500 fine and up to 93 days in jail.

"This law is for people who don't make the right decision and put people at risk by leaving."

The bill also would require an owner to help an injured bite victim and say whether the dog has received legally required vaccinations.

People that suffer a dog bite can file a civil lawsuit against the dog owner. But, criminal prosecution so be a viable option to pursue as well.

The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee in September 2006 but didn't clear the full House, which was because lawmakers ran out of time in the two-year legislative session.

In the U.S., 4.7 million people are bit by a dog each year, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 800,000 Americans seek medical help for dog bites every year, with half of them being children.