ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland House of Delegates bit back Monday in a feud between the General Assembly’s two chambers over a bill to hold dog owners more responsible when their animals bite, killing a Senate provision that would have made it harder for owners to defend themselves in court.
The bill would require dog owners to prove their animals aren’t dangerous if they are sued for a dog bite. The measure stems from a 2012 ruling by Maryland’s highest court that said pit bulls were “vicious and inherently dangerous” dogs. Under the ruling, pit bull owners were automatically liable if the animals bit someone. Animal rights advocates argue that unfairly singles out pit bull owners while the burden of proof shifts from owners to victims if they are bitten by other breeds.
