Bill > H3258

This bill aims to promote safe dog ownership by amending Section 155 of Chapter 140 of the General Laws. The key provisions of the bill are as follows: 1. If a dog owner negligently permits their dog to cause damage to property or injury to any person, the owner or keeper, or if a minor, the parent or guardian, shall be punished by a fine of up to $2,500. 2. A conviction or finding of sufficient facts on any charge brought under this section shall be prima facie evidence of liability in any action related to damage to property or injury, illness, disease transmission, or death to any person or animal, except if the damage was sustained by a person committing a trespass or tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. 3. If the injured party is a minor under seven years old, there is a rebuttable presumption that the minor was not committing a trespass or tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. The bill aims to hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets and provide recourse for those affected by negligent dog ownership.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3258