Public liability insurance needed for pit bulls
Although a decision has been reached not to ban pit bulls as pets in Oregon, a new move that would necessitate pit bull owners taking out public liability insurance is being considered.
The new step, according to a summary of a House Bill, will enforce the purchase of the insurance cover by owners of pit bulls.
Failure to comply, reports said, would result in a maximum fine of $180 (about £128) being imposed on defaulters.
In addition, courts would have the powers to compel the dog’s owners to show proof that they have complied within a specified period of time.
If they fail to show the evidence they could have a maximum fine of $720 (about £510) per day imposed on them.
The bill will also outlaw the owning or maintenance of a dangerous dog and those who fail to abide by the rule will face imprisonment or fine or both.
While the bill will remove potential dangerous dog behaviour from public nuisance statute, it will add menacing behaviour to the statute.
Updated on 3/4/2009