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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the handling of or caring for a pit bull breed of dog by |
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certain minors; providing penalties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 822, Health and Safety |
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Code, is amended by adding Sections 822.009 and 822.010 to read as |
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follows: |
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Sec. 822.009. PIT BULL BREED OF DOG: ADULT SUPERVISION |
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REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN MINORS. (a) In this section and Section |
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822.010, "pit bull breed of dog" means any Staffordshire Bull |
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Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull |
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Terrier, or any mixed breed of dog that exhibits distinguishing |
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characteristics that substantially conform to the American Kennel |
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Club or United Kennel Club standards for those breeds. |
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(b) A minor who is 15 years of age or younger may not handle |
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or care for a pit bull breed of dog without adult supervision. |
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(c) The owner of a pit bull breed of dog who allows a minor |
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who is 15 years of age or younger to handle or care for the dog |
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without adult supervision is liable for damages for death or bodily |
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injury to a person that occurs while the dog is handled or cared for |
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by the minor. |
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Sec. 822.010. OFFENSE. (a) The owner of a pit bull breed of |
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dog commits an offense if the owner allows a minor who is 15 years of |
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age or younger to handle or care for the dog without adult |
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supervision. |
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(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class C |
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misdemeanor. |
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SECTION 2. Section 822.009, Health and Safety Code, as |
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added by this Act, applies only to damages that occur on or after |
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the effective date of this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |