The blog post of March 4 discussed Maryland Senate Bill 247.  This bill has now been passed by the House of Delegates and approved by Governor O’Malley.  This new law creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner of a dog, regardless of breed, knew or should have known the dog had dangerous or vicious propensities.  Additionally, this bill imposes strict liability on owners for attacks by dogs who are “roaming” or “running at large,” except where the victim is trespassing, engaging in criminal activity, or teased, tormented, abused or provoked the dog.