The Ohio Revised Code has several "dog laws" and the following are the basic laws we deal with most often. A complete Revised Code is available at most libraries and law libraries in most Counties. Check your local officials for access possibilities.  

(1) 955.21 states all dogs must be registered (licensed) in the County in which the dog is kept. All dogs must be licensed before the end of  3 months of age or 30 days after the dog is acquired any time during the year after the deadline. The deadline annually to renew tags is December 1 to January 31. This law is strictly enforced in Greene County. All dog owners found in violation of this law is issued a citation to Municipal Court where fines and court costs could be ordered to be paid. To avoid being cited for this law, dogs should be registered as soon as possible and before each years deadline.

(2) 955.22 states all dogs are required to be kept on the owner's property and/or under reasonable control at all times. Failure to do so results in numerous problems such as dogs being struck by cars, kids being bitten by dogs, unknown injuries to dogs, or dog owners being cited to court. Dog owners are exposed to pay fines and court costs and are open  to civil law suits where they may have to pay for damages caused by their dogs. Ohio dog owners are liable for damages caused by their dog.

(3) 955.22-D concerns dangerous and vicious dogs. Dangerous dogs are described as any dog that causes injury to a person or a dog that approaches in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack. A vicious dog is described as a dog that has caused serious injury to any person, has killed a person or another dog, or a dog that is commonly known as a pit bull. Dangerous dogs are required to be kept on a leash that is adequate to restrain the dog. A vicious dog is required to be kept in a  locked kennel which has a top, can not be walked on a leash more than 6 ft. in length by a responsible person, and must be muzzled while being walked.

(4) 955.22-E-1Vicious dog owners are also required to carry $100,000 liability insurance for each dog deemed vicious. Insurance companies that will insure vicious dogs are available by contacting your insurance provider or by contacting the Animal Shelter.

(5) 959.13A-1 concerns cruelty to animals. The statute prevents a dog from being tortured, cruelly beat or killed, or impounded without a supply of good wholesome food and water.

(6) 959.13A-2   prevents animals from being impounded or confined without access to shelter from wind, rain, snow, and excessive direct sunlight. This simply means your dog needs a doghouse with 4 walls and a top if it is kept outside for any extended period of time. A board leaning up against a tree or an cardboard box does not qualify as shelter.

(7) 959.13A-3 prevents an animal from being carried or conveyed in an inhumane manner.

THESE ARE STATE LAWS  FOR OHIO ONLY!