An article published in the Virginian Pilot says that a State Senator in Virginia plans to submit legislation that will change the state's dangerous dog laws.

Senator R. Ed Houck (D) says that the state's existing laws put focus on the dangerous dog, instead of putting focus on the dog's owner.

Houck's proposal, which mentions no specific breeds, includes penalties for dog bites ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the injuries and whether it was the first time the animal bit someone.

If approved, the bill would force owners to list dogs declared dangerous on a state Internet registry and purchase insurance of at least $300,000.

Putting the focus on dog owners is a step in the right direction, unlike other states that punish dogs for bad behavior.

The part about creating an Internet registry of dangerous dogs is interesting. The report goes on to suggest that this list will contain dogs that have actually attacked other people and animals, and not just little nips on the back of a leg, but traumatic injuries and deaths.

Considering there are many gangs who own pit bulls and rottweilers and encourage them to sport aggressive behaviors, putting these owners into a public venue will make it easier for citizen watch groups to monitor them for repeat offenses.

Now, we'll see if the State of Virginia can do something to empower law enforcement to go after bad dog owners.