The year of the dog — and more 

The Court of Appeals’ April decision imposing strict liability for pit bull attacks on the dogs’ owners and the owners’ landlords caused a general uproar, with the loudest protests coming from property management firms and animal shelters. The General Assembly took up the measure in special session, to no avail. The Court of Appeals reconsidered its ruling and largely affirmed it in August, deciding only that it had overstepped its bounds by extending it to mixed pit bull dogs when the dog in question was a “pure” pit. More action by the General Assembly is expected in the coming session.