MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. -- The Middletown Common Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday at 8 p.m. to address a proposed law that would require some renters with dogs to buy liability insurance. The law would apply to owners of dogs weighing more than 50 pounds and would require them to get at least $100,000 in insurance.

The law would also force owners of dog breeds believed to be more dangerous to pay more in insurance. The law could cost renters a couple hundred dollars annually.

Local officials said they have seen 80 dog bites over the last three years. Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano said the responsibility is on the owners.