Summary

The State of Ohio has the most discriminatory laws with respect to "pit bulls" and "pit bull" ownership in our country.  Ohio's vicious dog law deems any dog "commonly known as a pit bull dog" to be vicious.  Pit bulls do not need to have acted aggressively; the dog need only have the characteristics of a pit bull dog.  Many cities in Ohio have gone even further than Ohio State law and enacted additional restrictions or bans on pit bulls and pit bull ownership. 

Although we believe the laws in Ohio need to change to focus on responsible ownership of all dogs, it is important that all "pit bull" owners comply with the law until it is changed.  "Pit bull" owners must protect their dogs from the discriminatory laws and the inevitable harassment from members of the community resulting from these laws.  If owners are ever confronted to determine if they are complying with the law and they are not, all of a sudden such owners do not appear responsible and this adds to the oppositions' view that pit bull owners are irresponsible.  Please comply with the law so our opposition no longer has the support for its argument that pit bull owners are irresponsible.  If you need assistance comply with the Ohio law, please contact us - but first, read below.

If you own a dog that is or could be considered a pit bull dog, you must understand and comply with Ohio State law and any ordinances in the City in which you reside.  To determine the ordinances in your city of residence, please visit either:

AmLegal

Conway Greene Co.

After reviewing the ordinance online (as instructed above), please also contact the city's clerk to make sure you have reviewed the most recent version of the laws.

Summary of Ohio Vicious Dog Law

Section 955.11(A)(4)(a) of the Ohio Revised Code (the "ORC") provides that a dog is deemed vicious if, without provocation, the dog:

     (i)     has caused serious injury to, or killed a person;

     (ii)    has caused injury to a person or has killed another dog;

     (iii)   "[b]elongs to the breed that is commonly   
              known as a pit bull dog."

To review ORC Section 955 in its entirety, please visit the following link:  http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955.11 

               * * * * *               * * * * *               * * * * *               * * * * *               * * * * *               * * * * *               * * * * *

Ohio Revised Code Section 955.22(C) Requirements Regarding Vicious Dogs:   

•        When the owner, keeper or harborer is OUTDOORS but still on his/her property (e.g., in his front or back yard), such person must do one of the
        following:     

             *     securely confine the dog in a locked pen that has a top,

             *     securely confine the dog in a locked fenced yard                OR

             *     securely confine the dog in a locked enclosure that has a top.

•      When the owner, keeper or harborer is off his/her property, the dog must be on a "chain-link
        leash" or on a "tether that is not more than six feet in length" and must do one of the following:

            *     be in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure with a top,
                   OR

            *     be controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion OR securely attach, tie or
                   affix the leash or tether  to the ground or a stationary object so that the dog is adequately
                   restrained and a person must be close enough to the dog to prevent the dog from causing
                   injury to any other person                                  OR

            *     Muzzle the dog.  (For information on muzzling, please click here.)

•      Owners, keepers or harborers must have $100,000 liability insurance coverage on damage or
       bodily injury to or death of a person by the vicious dog.  (For more information on insurers, please click here.)

To review ORC Section 955 in its entirety, please visit the following link: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955.22