ATLANTA — State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) today commented on her withdrawal of House Bill 313, legislation that she filed following a number of recent violent dog attacks in and around the Atlanta area:
“Something must be done to protect the public from these potentially dangerous animals. We can no longer sit idly by while our children fall victim to these senseless and preventable attacks. Unfortunately, we live in a society that seems to place greater value on the lives of animals rather than the lives of children.
“I am an avid animal lover and proud dog owner, and my pet Chow Chow Sandi is a beloved family member. However, I understand that as a responsible pet owner, I must take the necessary precautions to ensure Sandi does not bite or injure others.
“Unfortunately, my community has suffered several tragedies as a result of irresponsible dog owners, and we recently lost a little boy, Logan, to a dog violent fatal dog mauling.
“In the wake of Logan’s death, I introduced a bill that I believed might help in preventing future tragedies, legislation that would simply require dog bite statistics to be distributed upon purchasing or adopting a new pet.
“Since introducing HB 313, I have been fortunate enough to meet with local and national animal advocates. Together, we have determined that there are other opportunities to accomplish my goals of honoring Logan’s memory and preventing future tragedies.
“For this reason, I am withdrawing HB 313, and I look forward to working with groups like Animal Law Source and Best Friends Animal Society on ways to effectively enhance existing Georgia Responsible Dog Owner Law. Additionally, I have invited several animal advocacy groups to visit my district to provide pet safety education, community outreach and resources for pet owners.
“Rather than pursing HB 313, this summer I will be working closely with animal rights activists, advocates and stakeholders throughout Georgia to educate dog owners and work on recommendations to enhancing our existing laws.
“Instead of proposing a ban or breed legislation, which could be perceived as an infringement of pet owners’ individual freedoms, I fully support ensuring that responsible pet owners are not unfairly targeted. Therefore, I do not think outlawing or banning any breed is the correct course of action.
“However, we must put stronger laws in place to govern the way fatal and aggressive dog attacks are dealt with. When dog attacks occur, irresponsible dog owners must face stiffer harsher penalties. My prayer is that when Georgians see reckless dog owners being held accountable for irresponsible behavior, they will take the necessary precautions taking home a potentially dangerous or vicious animal as a pet.”
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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