Liberals propose dangerous dog law

Liberal Opposition members want to force the owners of pitbulls and Rottweilers to carry $1 million of liability insurance in an effort to promote "sensible dog ownership."

James Waddell was four years old when he was killed by Rottweilers in the yard of his Kingston Peninsula home in March of last year. The dogs' owner told a coroner's inquest that his pets had never bitten anyone before.

From May 27, 2004: Boy's death could not be prevented, Minister says

Liberal MLA Kelly Lamrock says you can never predict when dogs might attack, and that's why he introduced private members bill in the legislature on Friday requiring the owners of pitbulls and Rottweilers to carry extra insurance.

Lamrock says the idea is to make sure the owners of those breeds are responsible for their pet. "I think it will make some of the folks that very flippantly own four Rottweilers, like the ones that killed Jamie Waddell, may think twice about the financial buy-in that's required. And I think that's a good thing."

The Liberals don't have enough votes to ensure the bill becomes law, and need the support of government.

Local Government Minister Brenda Fowlie says the Tories will look closely at the bill with an open mind. "The concept in general, I suppose, could have some merit in regards to people would then have a recourse if they or a family member were attacked by that breed of dog."

Lamrock would welcome it if the government held public hearings on his proposed bill. He says the most important thing is that his bill spark debate.

Lamrock says his only hope is that his bill, and the death of young James Waddell, aren't swept under the carpet by the Lord government.