The Ohio House Public Safety Committee is holding public hearings on a significant rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws.
House Bill 247 was introduced in response to several tragic incidents in the state and a demand from the public as well as animal control and law enforcement to strengthen Ohio’s dangerous dog laws. Concerns included apparent loopholes in current law requiring that a dog commit a vicious attack more than once before the dog could be seized and, if appropriate, euthanized by animal control. HB 247 addresses this concern.
AKC is supporting House Bill 247 as currently written, and appreciates the sponsor and committee for considering some of AKC’s recommendations. This includes modifying the definition of injury to ensure the state differentiates between, for example, an exuberant puppy and a truly dangerous dog, and more clearly differentiating between a nuisance, dangerous, and vicious dog and requirements for owners whose dogs meet these definitions.
The bill also clarifies at-large dog laws, but does still allow activities such as Agility, Obedience, training, hunting and field trials, etc.
AKC greatly appreciates the willingness of the committee and sponsor to work with us and join us in the common goal of ensuring public safety, emphasizing dog owner responsibility and accountability, and allowing for important and humane activities and training.
The House Public Safety Committee has held sponsor and supporter testimony hearings. A hearing for opponents and those neutral on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10.
AKC Government Relations will continue to provide updates on this bill as it moves forward. For questions, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.