"First-Bite" Dog Legislation Filed

Tuesday, July 17th 2007, 10:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A bill being filed by a state lawmakers would allow dog owners to be charged with a felony the first time their animal attacks someone. The bill by state Representative Paul Wesselhoft is being called ``first-bite'' legislation and calls for at least one year in prison and fines of up to ten-thousand dollars.

Wesselhoft says prosecutors have operated under a principal of ``the first bite is free'' and not charged dog owners the first time their animal attacks.

He says the bill would only apply to attacks outside the pet owner's property that cause serious injury requiring medical attention.

The proposal is to be considered by the state Legislature next year.