Kentucky Senate Passes Bill Protecting Landlord From Liability in Dog Attacks

Landlords who live on their own property would not be financially liable for a tenant’s dog if it attacks another person under a bill passed by the Kentucky Senate.

Republican Sen. Chris Girdler of Somerset called the bill an effort to reinforce personal responsibility and protect small-business owners.

Senate Democrats express concerns that public health services like Medicaid would have to pay for medical costs in the event of a dog bite. They offered an amendment requiring insurance coverage by either the landlord or tenant in the event of an attack.

The bill passed 29-8 Monday without the amendment. It now moves to the House for consideration.