AB 793: Potentially dangerous and vicious dogs: designation and disposition: burden of proof.

This bill aims to amend the regulations of potentially dangerous and vicious dogs in California. To determine if a dog is vicious, a court must now prove it with clear and convincing evidence, rather than a preponderance of evidence. The bill also requires that any order to end a dog's life due to public health, safety, and welfare must be supported by clear and convincing evidence and include specific findings. The bill prohibits a dog from being declared potentially dangerous or vicious if the injury or damage was caused by provoking the dog. It also requires cities and counties to adopt and enforce their own programs for controlling potentially dangerous and vicious dogs, with certain requirements such as applying the clear and convincing evidence burden of proof in hearings. The bill applies only to governmental or judicial proceedings and does not apply to civil actions for remedie…