S1459
An Act relative to dangerous dogs
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
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Bill overview
This bill proposes a process for municipalities to temporarily impound dogs deemed ‘dangerous’ while a public hearing is held to determine if they meet the criteria for being classified as such. The goal is to provide a structured approach for evaluating potentially dangerous dogs and ensuring due process for both dog owners and the community. It aims to establish a framework for assessing and managing dogs considered a risk to public safety.
Key provisions
- Requires municipalities to impound dogs identified as ‘dangerous’ pending a public hearing.
- Establishes a process for determining if a dog meets the criteria for being classified as ‘dangerous.’
- Mandates public hearings to be held for dogs impounded under this bill.
- Specifies the responsibilities of municipalities in managing impounded dogs.
- Outlines the criteria for determining a dog’s ‘dangerousness’.
Who is affected
- Municipalities
- Dog owners
- Residents of Massachusetts
- Animal control officers
- Regional Government
Notable changes
- Establishes a temporary impoundment process for potentially dangerous dogs.
- Requires public hearings before a dog is permanently classified as ‘dangerous.’
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Mark C. Montigny
Cosponsors
Adam J. Scanlon
James K. Hawkins
Mark C. Montigny
Mark D. Sylvia
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Bill S.1459 194th (Current)
An Act relative to dangerous dogs
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1459) of Mark C. Montigny, Mark D. Sylvia, Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to impound dangerous dogs pending a public hearing. Municipalities and Regional Government.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Mark C. Montigny Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Rules
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.1459
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1 |
| 11/19/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules |
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An Act relative to dangerous dogs
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