Owners Face Life if Dog Kills a Child or Elderly

AUSTIN (AP) — Dog owners could face life in prison if their dog kills an infant or an elderly person. If the attack results in serious injury, the possibly penalty is third degree felony. In a bill passed Tuesday, owners of a dog that kills a child under the age of 18 or an adult older than 65 can be charged with a first degree felony. The maximum sentence for a first degree felony is life in prison. The bill was authored by state Representative Chuck Hopson, a Jacksonville Republican. The House approved the bill on a 123-7 vote. Following a procedural vote, the measure will go to the Senate for consideration.