HB 2374 -- Adequate Control of an Animal Sponsor: Cox This bill creates the crime of failure to adequately control an animal if the owner intentionally or negligently fails to adequately control his or her animal and the animal bites or causes physical injury to a person or damage to property. Anyone committing this crime will be guilty of a class C misdemeanor for a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for a subsequent offense. In addition to any criminal penalties, the owner must pay the injured party for all damages caused by the animal.