Senate Bill 68 - commonly called the "Dog Bite Bill" - once again sailed through a Senate committee Tuesday. The measure comes in reaction to a 2012 State Supreme Court decision altering the interpretation of Kentucky law to make landlords the legally liable for dog bites occurring on or about rental properties.
Proponents argue the change places too much responsibility on the property owners, but attorney and landlord Vanessa Cantley says without the rule victims of dog bites would often be left without any recourse if the dog owner lacks insurance. She tells WUKY property owners are better placed to handle the fallout from an attack.
"As a landlord, I have a choice to allow tenants who own dogs on my property. I have a choice not to. And when I'm earning income from rental fees knowing that my tenants have dogs, then I accept a responsibility for that," she said.
Bill supporters contend the added financial strain on landlords translates into higher costs for renters and an increase in the number of properties barring dogs.
