Relating to requirements for proof of ownership of dogs and providing penalties

This bill relates to the verification of ownership of dogs. Under current law, a dog is deemed property if the dog is under six months of age or if the dog is at least six months of age and wearing a collar with a valid rabies vaccination tag attached to the collar. A person is prohibited from owning or having in possession a dog that is at least six months of age if the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies. The bill provides that a dog under six months of age is deemed property and that ownership of the dog can be shown by tattoo, microchip, receipt, contract, medical records, or other documented history of ownership. The bill provides that a dog over six months of age is deemed property only if proof of ownership exists, which can be shown by a valid rabies vaccination tag, tattoo, microchip, receipt, contract, medical records, or other documented history of ownership.35 (how and when). The bill provides that in a legal dispute over ownership, the owner of the dog is presumed to be the person with proof of ownership as shown in one of the ways listed in the bill, and that this presumption can only be overcome by a preponderance of evidence to the contrary. The bill provides that any person who knowingly misrepresents the ownership of a dog to a law enforcement officer or in a legal proceeding is guilty of a simple misdemeanor; a simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for not more than days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.