Bailey just killed a cat =(

The dog was in his own fenced yard... What could the police have POSSIBLY done?

I do feel sorry for the cat.. but like someone else said, a quick and efficient death by a dog in a yard is a lot more humane than most cats who are outdoors get

Law where we live is no matter WHAT the circumstance, if a dog kills a domestic animal it can be declared a dangerous dog by the court...then you have the burden of defending your dog in court as NOT dangerous. If your dog is even moderately big or scary looking even with good behavior references you're looking at steep fines or losing custody.

4:19-23. Finding to declare dog potentially dangerous

a. The municipal court shall declare a dog to be potentially dangerous if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the dog:

(1) caused bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(a) to a person during an unprovoked attack, and poses a serious threat of bodily injury or death to a person, or

(2) severely injured or killed another domestic animal, and

(a) poses a threat of serious bodily injury or death to a person; or

(b) poses a threat of death to another domestic animal, or

(3) has been trained, tormented, badgered, baited or encouraged to engage in unprovoked attacks upon persons or domestic animals.

b. A dog shall not be declared potentially dangerous for:

(1) causing bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(a) to a person if the dog was provoked, or

(2) severely injuring or killing a domestic animal if the domestic animal was the aggressor.

For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the municipality shall bear the burden of proof to demonstrate that the dog was not provoked.

CREDIT(S)

L.1989, c. 307, § 7, eff. Jan. 12, 1990. Amended by L.1994, c. 187, § 4; L.2002, c. 24, § 1, eff. June 11, 2002.

4:19-19. Seizure and impoundment of dog by animal control officer; grounds

An animal control officer shall seize and impound a dog when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the dog:

a. attacked a person and caused death or serious bodily injury as defined in N.J.S. 2C:11-1(b) to that person;

b. caused bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(a) to a person during an unprovoked attack and poses a serious threat of harm to persons or domestic animals;

c. engaged in dog fighting activities as described in R.S.4:22-24 and R.S.4:22-26; or

d. has been trained, tormented, badgered, baited or encouraged to engage in unprovoked attacks upon persons or domestic animals.

The dog shall be impounded until the final disposition as to whether the dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. Subject to the approval of the municipal health officer, the dog may be impounded in a facility or other structure agreeable to the owner.

CREDIT(S)

L.1989, c. 307, § 3, eff. Jan. 12, 1990.

I don't live there.. BUT a quick google of the laws for NJ..



So a dog in its yard that is secure is not likely going to fined or seized etc.

But actually it seems seized isn't that simple, and wouldn't even be an issue in this case



You will notice that does not mention killing of domestic animals.

One should always be aware of the laws pertaining to their pets for their area....