This bill amends the Dog Control Law to allow dogs to guard crops without being restrained, expanding the circumstances under which dogs can run at large. Specifically, it adds the phrase guarding crops to the list of activities for which dogs may be exempt from the general prohibition against running at large. The bill clarifies that while dogs must be accompanied by their owner or custodian during these activities, they do not need to be within sight at all times, as long as the owner or custodian has reasonable knowledge of the dog's location. The effective date for this new provision is set for January 1, 2027. This change aims to support agricultural practices by allowing farmers to utilize dogs for crop protection without the constraints of traditional dog control laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:30-a
HB1253 text: 466:30-a