Bailey Sponsored Bill To Allow For Restitution If Property Damaged By Loose Dog

State Senator Paul Bailey pushing bill that will aid victims’ rights in the event of a dog causing damages to another person.

Bailey said as introduced, it will require a judge to order payment of restitution by a dog owner who is convicted of allowing their dog to run loose and the dog causes bodily injury or death to another person, or damages another person’s property.

“The only thing that a general sessions judge could do is cite you for allowing your dog to run at large but there was no resituation,” Bailey said. “There was not an ability of the judge to issue restitution to the individual whose property may have been destroyed.”

Bailey said there have been issues where someone’s dog has killed livestock or done damage to someone’s personal property. He said this bill allows for restitution to be paid without having to go through civil court.

Senate Bill 1320 has been transmitted to the governor for action as of April 11th.