TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill aimed at improving how Florida identifies and regulates dangerous dogs is one step closer to becoming law.
The Florida Senate unanimously passed the “Pam Rock Act” this Monday. The Act, named after a mail carrier who was fatally attacked in Putnam County in 2022, will now head back to the House for a final vote, following prior unanimous approval in that chamber.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood traveled to Tallahassee to witness the Senate vote. He was accompanied by family members of 8-year-old Michael Millet, a DeLand boy who was tragically killed in a dog attack earlier this year. The Millet and Rock families have been strong advocates of House Bill 593, which is designed to increase the accountability of dog owners.
Sheriff Chitwood, a supporter of this legislation from its early stages, highlighted the importance of having an online database for dangerous dogs. He believes it will serve as a crucial tool for law enforcement officials and prosecutors.
“When law enforcement gets a hold of it, they will have it, and obviously, the State Attorney’s Office,” Chitwood said. “When you are looking to charge or pursue how you’re going to go about this, you can go back and see the history of this person.”
The bill would require that any dog suspected of seriously injuring or killing a person be immediately seized during an investigation. It also mandates that owners of dogs classified as dangerous obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance. Microchipping dangerous dogs would become mandatory.
“You have to be responsible when you drive a car, you have to be responsible when you handle a firearm,” Chitwood said. “You have to be responsible in so many things in life, why should you not be responsible as a pet owner?”
Chitwood encouraged the public to report aggressive dogs to law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of documenting incidents through police reports.
In Orlando, some dog owners expressed support for the legislation.
“I think it’s important for dogs to have good owners who take care of them, leash them, give them good care, love, and training,” said one resident. “No one wants to be bitten by a dog.”
Another Orlando resident said the online database could help families stay safe.
“I’d definitely like to know if there are aggressive dogs or repeat offenders in our community,” the resident said. “Just so we know to stay away.”
The final version of the “Pam Rock Act” will now head back to the Florida House for a procedural vote before it can be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
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