A.G. Gancarski
Republican Rep. Judson Sapp and the House are doing their part to ensure Pam Rock’s legacy leads to positive reform.
A 61-year-old mail carrier who lived in Putnam County, Rock was fatally attacked by a pack of dogs in August 2022.
“Her loss is a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections,” Sapp said ahead of a final vote on the bill.
In her memory, the House unanimously passed the “Pam Rock Act,” which institutes some potential guardrails against overly aggressive canines. The bill (HB 593) requires a dog owner to hold a dangerous dog in a kennel, and requires animal control to hold dogs during investigations.
“Animal control should never have released these animals to the owner without inspecting the security of the dogs. The owner’s fences were in terrible repair and the owner made no attempt on the property to contain his five dogs,” Sapp said.
Dangerous dogs must be microchipped and spayed or neutered, depending on their gender. Removal of microchips constitutes a third-degree felony.
Owners also are obligated to get at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
Animal shelters, meanwhile, must post signs informing clients if dogs on offer are dangerous.
The maximum fine for violations of this law would be $1,000 per count.
The bill was personal for multiple legislators.
“I think it is important for public safety,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell. “I’m thinking particularly about a member of my family who once was mauled by a dog that was very dangerous. The homeowner had no insurance. There was no relief for my family member, and it caused severe and debilitating injuries.”
For Sapp, it was close to home as well.
“On March 7, my son was playing outside when two dangerous dogs entered our property,” Sapp said. “Thankfully, the dogs were scared away by my good dog, a mastiff. The two dogs immediately went next door and began to maul livestock, dogs that would never have been in our yards if this bill was law. My family was one of the lucky ones.”
He also noted that members of the Rock family were on hand to see the belated path to justice.
The companion bill will be heard on Monday’s Special Order Calendar in the Senate. Presumably, the House product will be taken up in its stead.
