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Legislation allowing a dog to get it’s day in court after biting someone is moving through the state Capitol tonight.  As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the legislation was inspired by a four year old Lab mix that bit a child after the dog retreated and was followed by the child.

Meet Padi, a four year old Lab Retriever Mix. PADI made national news when it was spared by a circuit judge after biting a visiting child who pursued the dog into a corner.  State law automatically requires a dog who does sever damage to someone to be put down. State Senator Bill Montford says a number of dog owners came to him asking for help.

“This gives an opportunity for the owner to appeal and say, let’s look, let’s really look at the details here, the circumstances and let’s make the right decision.”

PADI was spared when a judge ruled the law unconstitutional. But the law’s sill in effect in most of the state.

Under the current law, a dog biting someone is automatically considered in the wrong. This legislation changes that.

Animals rights activist and lobbyist Jack Cory says is he feels threatened and shoots someone, he’s protected by stand your ground.

“However, if my dog is with me and he feels threatened, or things I’m threatened and he attacks you, then the dog is deemed to be a dangerous dog and in most cases can be killed.”

The statewide organization representing City and County shelter operators supports the legislation,k in part because policies on what to do with a dog which has bitten someone vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Diana Ferguson represents the FL. Animal Control Assn.

“From our perspective, it’s important to have the clarity and I think it’s important for the animal owners, you know, peach of mind as well.”

The legislation has cleared three committees without a single no vote.

Padi is owned by a vet. The child was visiting the office and pursued the dog under a desk after taking it’s toys. Padi severed the child’s ear lobe.