The Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously passed a comprehensive rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws.
House Bill 247 is a bipartisan measure sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (Dist. 69 – Newark) and Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (Dist. 5- Reynoldsburg) drafted in response to several severe dog attacks in the state and the need for clearer, more effective laws.
The bill includes language recommended by the American Kennel Club to ensure clear definitions and due process to protect the public from truly dangerous and vicious dogs while ensuring innocent actions are no longer deemed dangerous. For example, the bill clearly delineates between a truly serious injury and an exuberant puppy who may nip someone without causing harm. And as Rep. Miller mentioned in a press release, the bill also protects dogs that are defending their owners, themselves, or their owners’ property.
AKC has also ensured that updates to the provisions and penalties for at-large dogs keep an important provision in current law protecting companion and performance events and training.
AKC Government Relations thanks the sponsors for working with us to ensure a fair, reasonable and balanced bill.
House Bill 247 now goes to the Senate for consideration and AKC will provide updates as they are available.
For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.