House Bill 431 a Tie Vote! Seams it more of a Party Issue.

House Bill 431 passed the house of Representatives. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard the bill and the vote was a tie. Only one Republican voting for the bill, and all Democrats supporting this bill. Seams that most of the Republicans are more interested in saving the Insurance Companies money than our Children and our selves from dog bites and injuries the dog causes.

The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Gary Perry says the strong feelings of the Republicans of this committee thought that this bill goes too far in changing the the rules for dog owners across the state.

One would think that were asking for something we do not deserve.

All we ARE asking for is equal protection from a DOG BITE! and Liability spelled out for the Counties that do not enforce leash laws.

The dog owners in the Counties of Montana have enjoyed not being responsible for their dangerous dog long enough!

All you people in the County need to contact your Represenatives and Senators and COMPLAIN till the cows come home.

Let them know were tired of the way things have been. Just because we live in the County why should we not have a law that protects us like it does for citizens in the incorporated areas of Montana? Are we any less of a Citizen because we live in the County? Do our tax dollars smell different? I bet NOT! The State likes our tax dollars, so, why shouldn't we get the same help with dog bites as they do in the city?

Most of the dog attacks in the County take place on our own property. So, chances are your homeowner's Insurance will not pay because someone dog was running loose got onto your property and bit you. But If you are neglant and you dog gets out and kills someone, bites someone or tears up livestock your homeowner's will pay for it.
As for the inclusion Anders Blewett added in that says: If the injured individual is less than 9 years of age at the time the injury occurs, there is a disputable presumption that the injury occured without provocation by the individual. A dog owner needs to be responsible, and never let small children around their dog!!

A little common sence here please!!

So, who are the republicans out to protect? You tell me and then we will both know!