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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Bill to crack down on dog-on-dog violence is headed to Chris Christie's desk<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By Matt Friedman/The Star-Ledger <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Source: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/assembly_passes_bill_to_crack_down_on_dog-on-dog_violence.html<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Winny," a golden retriever guide dog, peers down from the second floor balcony during a break in the filming of a 2008 public service <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TRENTON — Letting your pet mess with service or guide dogs could land you in the kennel under a bill that’s on its way to Gov. Chris Christie’s desk. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Assembly voted 79-0 to give final approval to “Dusty’s Law” (S1907), named for a seeing eye puppy from Bergen County who was attacked by a pit pull while undergoing training in 2010. Although Dusty survived, he was unable to continue his training due to emotional distress. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under the bill, a person who recklessly kills – or allows his animal to kill – a guide or service dog could be punished by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000. Recklessly causing injury to the dog could result in up to 6 months in prison or a $1,000 fine. And recklessly interfering with the dog could land you in jail for 30 days and with a $500 fine. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Guide dogs provide an invaluable benefit to those with disabilities. For individuals who are blind, deaf or have vision or hearing impairments, they are their eyes and ears,” said Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Passaic), the bill’s sponsor, in a December press release. “This measure is a major step in recognizing the important role these vital animals play in assisting those with an impairment and sends a message that abusing or killing these animals will have significant repercussions.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Perpetrators could also be forced to pay restitution, including for a replacement dog, the expenses that went go into training it and vet bills. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Recklessly” is defined as “consciously disregard(ing) a substantial and unjustifiable risk.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The bill passed the state Senate in December by a vote of 38-0. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>