ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The House of Delegates has given preliminary approval to a dog-bite liability measure.

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The House gave the initial approval to the bill on Tuesday during a special session focusing on a measure to expand gambling.

The House has made some changes to a dog-bite bill approved last week by the Senate.

One of the biggest changes narrows strict liability standards to the owner of a dog that is at large, or not on a leash.

The Senate passed a bill last week creating a strict liability standard for owners of all dogs.

Lawmakers are considering the measure in response to an April decision by Maryland's highest court that created a strict liability standard for pit bull owners: the court found those dogs to be "inherently dangerous."