Wade Clark Mulcahy LLP

<p style="text-align: justify;">Legislator John Ferretti proposed a bill entitled, <a href="https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2160251430814/nassau-lawmaker-wants-residents-to-know-about-dangerous-dogs?s=oldSite&amp;ss=i0">"Benny's Law"</a> to help protect people and pets within the community. The bill was inspired after the lawmaker’s 1-year old terrier, Benny, was attacked by a neighbor’s dog. Although the dog who attacked Benny is currently on probation, the Ferretti fears that since the dog was returned to its owners, other incidents between dogs and even humans may occur.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ferretti believes that the dog database proposition, which aims to list all dogs legally deemed dangerous by a Judge, will make all neighbors in the community fully aware of the vicious nature of not only the dog that attacked Benny, but all dangerous dogs alike, and thus, neighbors will start exhibiting the necessary vigilance and caution while within those potentially unsafe zones.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The framework of “Benny’s Law” will look similar to that of a sex registry. The proposed dog database will comprise of the dog owner’s address, the date of the incident, and “the pet owner will have to mail a letter to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the home notifying them that the owner’s dog has been deemed dangerous.” In addition to the address and date of incident, the database will also feature more detailed accounts of each dog, such as, the dog’s weight, age, breed, color, and the duration of dangerous dog designation.  “Benny’s Law” also recommends that the failure to register the dangerous dog on the database will result in consequences, starting with a $500 fine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The bill is scheduled to be voted on within the next week with legislator’s hopes it is fully enacted and implemented before any future incidents arise.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to Irving Fayman for his contribution to this post.  Should you have any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:tbracken@wcmlaw.com">Thomas Bracken</a>.</p>