FLORIDA – The “Pam Rock Act” is officially a Florida law that will protect against dog attacks.
The bill was named after Pamela Rock, a 62-year-old mail carrier who was mauled by several dogs in Putnam County nearly three years ago.
It was one of many bills that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Wednesday.
Rock’s family made a continued push to legislators after the fatal incident to protect other workers from being attacked. On Wednesday, the family rejoiced over their victory.
MORE: Putnam County post office renamed in honor of mail carrier fatally attacked by dogs
“Thank goodness the moment has arrived,” Randy Rock, Pam’s brother, said in a statement to News4JAX. “The Pam Rock Act is now Florida law. Talk about exciting and a sense of relief that all of our family’s two-year-plus time spent making this happen.”
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According to the bill, a dangerous dog is defined as one that seriously injures a person, and it requires owners to keep these dogs “securely confined.”
If the owners don’t comply, the legislation would:
Create a statewide registry of dangerous dogs
Require owners of dangerous dogs to carry $100,000 in liability insurance
Increase penalties for owners whose dogs attack
Enforce stricter confinement rules for all dogs
Allow authorities to hold dogs during investigations
Permit humane euthanasia for dogs responsible for severe injuries
According to the bill sponsors, this act is “breed neutral,” meaning it focuses on making all dog owners accountable for their pet’s behavior regardless of their breed.
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