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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bill aimed at strengthening oversight of dangerous dogs has passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature and now awaits the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Known as the “Pam Rock Act,” the bill is named in honor of a mail carrier who tragically lost her life after being attacked by a pack of dogs in Putnam County in August 2022. It was further championed by the parents of 8-year-old Michael Millett, who was fatally mauled by two dogs in his Volusia County neighborhood earlier this year.
The legislation passed the Senate on Monday after an identical version cleared the House last week. It contains several new provisions intended to increase public safety and hold dog owners more accountable:
• Any animal being investigated as a dangerous dog that has killed a person, or has inflicted a bite scoring 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale, must be immediately confiscated and impounded.
• Dogs involved in any other dangerous dog investigation must also be confiscated and impounded during the investigation.
• Animal control authorities must notify dog owners of the final classification order by registered mail or certified hand delivery.
• Owners of dogs classified as dangerous will be required to obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance and implant a microchip in the dog. The bill also establishes that removing the microchip is a third-degree felony offense.
• Dangerous dogs that have killed a person or caused serious injury and have been surrendered to an animal control authority must be humanely euthanized.
Supporters of the legislation say the new rules will provide much-needed protections for Floridians and prevent future tragedies.
Governor DeSantis’ signature is the final step needed for the bill to become law.
