Sheriff Enforcement Dangerous Dog Statute

The bill requires a county sheriff's office to investigate an alleged violation of the unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog crime or enforce the provisions of that statute. If a victim of that crime believes the county sheriff's office is not investigating the crime or enforcing the statute, the victim can file an affidavit with a judge having jurisdiction over the alleged crime. The judge then must require the county sheriff to appear to explain the refusal. If the judge finds that the county sheriff's refusal was arbitrary or capricious and without reasonable excuse, the judge shall order:

• The county sheriff's office to investigate the alleged offense or enforce the law; or
• The district attorney's office with jurisdiction over the crime to investigate the alleged offense or enforce the law.

If a county sheriff's office refuses to comply with an order to investigate or enforce the law, the court shall order the county sheriff to reimburse the county for all general fund appropriations received in the last fiscal year.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)