State lawmakers close to increasing penalties on dog attacks

HONOLULU (KHON2) — There could be tougher penalties for dog owners if their dog seriously bites or attacks a person, lawmakers say stricter laws are needed as communities have been dealing with severe, even deadly attacks.

Violet Beatte was only six years old when two dogs attacked her in her neighborhood while walking from school. Her sister jumped in to save her life.

Violet’s mother, Shalaye Newman said this event has inspired them to speak up against these types of attacks.

Newman said, “Being the amazing girl that she is, she decided to use this horrible thing that happened and try and make a difference.”

Now at eight years old, Violet is using her voice. She has testified in front of the Hawaii County Council to pass legislation that could help prevent further attacks.

“From an attack, I am blind in one eye and I still have anxiety around dogs,” said Violet during a County Council meeting. “And I want to know how long it will take for something to be done.”

In response to a series of dog attacks, the Hawaii County Council passed an ordinance to impose felony charges on dog owners if their dog causes substantial bodily damage or death. The penalty was previously a misdemeanor.

Hawaii County Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz helped pass the ordinance, but they later learned that the ordinance was not enforceable.

Kierkiewicz said, “What we’re not given explicit authority around is being able to prescribe criminal penalties.”

Now a proposed state law is one floor vote away from heading to the Governor’s desk, attempting to classify severe or deadly dog attacks as felony charges statewide.

Representative Greggor Ilagan introduced the House Bill 2058. He said, “This bill not only increases penalties but also creates a designation for dangerous dogs so we can prevent incidents like these from happening.”

Newman said this is a step towards holding the owners accountable but said there is more work to be done ahead.

Newman said, “We need to be looking at prevention. I don’t ever want to see another kid or another family go through what Violet’s been through.”

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Newman said improvements in the county’s animal control should also be prioritized.