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The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) has several "dog laws" that delineate
the responsibilities of government officials and owners, in order
to promote the enjoyment and utilization of dogs as private
property within the framework of public health and safety.
Most of the laws are in Chapters 955 and 959 of the ORC. The
following is an incomplete and general summary of
some of the laws that we deal with frequently. A complete
ORC may be accessed by an internet search or is available at most
libraries. You may check with our local Dog Warden or Animal
Control Officers for assistance or clarification.
(1) 955.01 -
Registration of Dogs - Every person that owns, keeps or
harbors a dog more than three months of age shall file, during
December or January, in the office of the county auditor of the
county in which the dog is kept or harbored, an application for
registration for the following year, beginning the 31st day of
January of that year. 955.04 allows for the kennel or group
registration for several dogs kept as a business of
raising or training dogs for any propose. Such a kennel may
require local zoning to be agricultural or business.
955.05-After the 31st day of January of any year, every person,
immediately upon becoming the owner, keeper or harborer
of any dog more than three months of age or brought from outside
the state during any year, shall file like application with fees
for registration for the current year. If such application
is not filed and the fee paid, within thirty days after such dog
is acquired from outside the state or becomes three months
of age, the auditor shall access a penalty in an amount
equal to the registration fee upon the owner, keeper or harborer,
which must be paid with the registration fee. This penalty
is statutory and may not be waived by either the dog warden or the
auditor.
(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!
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