Thanks to Boston.com for this article.
Lawmaker wants new statewide registry for dangerous dogs
August 31, 2007SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –A Springfield lawmaker has filed a bill that would create a statewide dangerous dog registry.
State Sen. Stephen Buoniconti says he was prompted by the recent mauling of a 9-year-old girl in Springfield by a bullmastiff that was involved in another attack last year.
The legislation would allow local animal control officers to file a court petition seeking to have a dog involved in an attack on a human listed as dangerous.
The dangerous dog registry would be available online and include the dog’s photo, physical description and owner information.
Buoniconti told the Republican of Springfield that he’s not targeting any specific breed of dog with his proposal.
Dogs that attack intruders or trespassers would be exempt from the registry.
