The Mohave County Board of Supervisors has enacted tougher measures within local animal control ordinances, now allowing for potential misdemeanor charges against dog owners in cases of biting incidents.

This development arises from a proposal put forth by the Mohave County Attorney’s Office, aimed at strengthening existing laws. The revisions hold dog owners accountable for instances where their pets inflict injury, particularly due to perceived negligence.

As of September, the county recorded approximately 192 dog bites, alongside 291 reports of aggressive animals from the previous year, prompting the need for more stringent regulations.

Under the new guidelines, if an owner fails to recognize a significant risk posed by their dog, they could be charged with criminal negligence, classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. This could result in penalties including probation, fines up to $750, or potentially four months in jail.

Additionally, the repercussions intensify for owners of animals that seriously injure someone during a bite. Current laws dictate that any animal labeled as “vicious” by a court must be humanely euthanized.

In Lake Havasu City, animals that cause serious injuries without provocation are automatically deemed vicious, reinforcing the serious nature of the revised ordinances.