The governor of Florida recently signed House Bill 593 (also known as the “Pam Rock Bill”), requiring the owners of dangerous dogs to purchase liability insurance of at least $100,000. This bill aims to strengthen the control of dangerous dogs, stipulating that owners must keep their dogs in enclosures marked with warning signs, implant microchips in the dogs, have them neutered and keep proof of rabies vaccination. Furthermore, animal shelters must disclose the historical information of dogs to potential adopters, and animal management agencies have the right to euthanize handed over dangerous dogs.
The new law will come into effect on July 1, 2025, and upgrade the act of ignoring the dangerous tendencies of dogs to a first-degree misdemeanor. This move is a response to the frequent dog attacks in Florida in recent years. According to data from the state’s health department, more than 600 people are hospitalized each year due to dog bites, and about 2 people die. In 2022, a postman unfortunately died after being attacked by five dogs. In 2023, an 86-year-old man had his limb amputated due to an attack by his neighbor’s dog. In January 2025, an 8-year-old boy was attacked and killed by two dogs.
Florida has had laws related to dangerous dogs since 1990, but legislators believe that the old regulations are insufficient to address the current problems. The new bill attempts to reduce the occurrence of similar tragedies and ensure public safety by raising insurance requirements and penalties.
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