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Dangerous Dogs and Their Owners Get a Second Chance After “Two-Bite Rule” Adopted in Alachua County Ordinance. Gainesville Dog Bite Attorney Explains.

Alachua County dogs that are declared dangerous get a second chance at life, rather than euthanasia, under the approved revision to the county’s Animal Services ordinance.

The change stems from an appeal court ruling of a Broward County ordinance, which required dogs deemed dangerous, after a first bite or attack, to be euthanized after an appeals process. Alachua County’s 2006 adoption of the ordinance, did not allow the owner an opportunity to take preventative measures, prior to euthanasia.

Under the August 2011 ordinance revision, a first offense in Alachua County will now require dogs that are declared dangerous to be confined or under the “physical control” of their owners. Owners of dangerous dogs must also purchase a defined amount of liability insurance, increased per incident. If the dog engages in dangerous behavior a second time, then it will be considered for euthanasia. The county retained the authority to euthanize dogs following a first incident if it resulted in serious injury to a person or a death.

Under the changes approved, there now will be a $400 registration fee and a $40 annual renewal cost for each dangerous dog.

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I am local accident attorney Jeffrey Meldon and I strongly believe that public education is the first step in the prevention of and/or recovery from a serious accident. My office and I take pride in our work, and the results we get for our clients.

Meldon Law is a regional law firm that is located in Gainesville, Florida. We are personal injury attorneys, litigators and trial attorneys that have been working to get accident victims the justice they deserve for over 40 years throughout North Florida and all over Florida. Accidents involving a car crash, truck wreck, motorcycle, ATVs, bicycle, pedestrian accidents, and dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and criminal defense are all included in our practice.

For more information on how we can help you, or with any other question you may have, feel free to contact our office at 800-373-8000.

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