JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri lawmaker is pushing a bill aimed at reducing the number of vicious dog attacks.

A Senate committee is hearing testimony about the bill on Monday.

The proposal would penalize dog owners if their pets injure people or property.

It also would give victims of dog attacks the unquestionable right to defend themselves or their families if they believe they are in danger.

The representative pushing this legislation is from Lee's Summit, Mo.

He filed the proposal after a couple in his county was attacked by dogs while they were out jogging.