BOISE -- A bill to modernize laws governing Idaho's growing population of canines won introduction in the Senate, where an almost identical measure passed unanimously in 2011before stumbling on opposition from agricultural interests in the House.
Idaho Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Rosenthal said Thursday the state's existing dog statutes are longer adequate, for an era when dogs live in increasingly close quarters with humans.
Among numerous changes, the measure would give courts more latitude on destroying dangerous dogs following violent attacks, while also offering probation-like opportunities where some potentially dangerous animals get the chance for rehabilitation.
And to satisfy the Idaho Farm Bureau, Rosenthal says dogs caught harassing sheep or cows during calving or lambing could be killed.
Cities or counties could still pass their own dog laws, under this bill.
