Animal welfare advocates are speaking out against a proposed law that could help save dogs ruled dangerous by the courts.
HB1894 encourages courts to allow owners whose dog has been deemed dangerous 30 days to correct conditions in the home to prevent future dangerous behavior and also encourages such dogs to be sent out of state or to a new home.
Supporters of the bill say it would help dogs whose owners have failed them by giving the animals another chance in a better home, but opponents say the proposed law could put other lives at risk since the previous owner might choose the new home.
Euthanasia would remain an option, but only when a judge rules in writing that the other options aren’t possible.
The bill has already passed a subcommittee. It goes before the full Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee on Monday.