Yesterday, the Ohio House of Representatives debated HB 14 - -a bill that was proposed to remove the state-wide classification of 'pit bulls' as dangerous dogs. Ohio is the only state with such a law.
The bill underwent a lot of changes yesterday -- but it sounds as if most of the discussion was good.
HB14 - in its current form - sets up 3 different classifications for problem dogs based solely on the behavior of the dog (and owner) and is breed neutral. The three classifications are:
1) Nuissance Dog -- a dog that while off its owner's property threatens, manaces or attempts to bite a person.
2) Dangerous dog - one that has caused an injury to a person, killed another dog or had 3 violations as a nuissance dog. Once a dog is classified as dangerous, the owner must register the dog, purchase liability insurance, microchip the dog and afix a tag to its collar.
3) A vicious dog -- is on that has caused serious injury to a person through a bite.
The bill also sets criminal penalties for violators -- including making a fatal dog attack on a human a 4th degree felony and a 1st degree misdemeanor for major attacks.
The new bill also restricts convicted felons from owning dangerous dogs.
Proposals to remove the breed-specific restrictions from the state bill have long been opposed by the Ohio Dog Wardens Association. But HB 14 now has their support as they feel it gives them an opportunity to fix many of the due process issues involved the state's current breed-specific law -- and they feel it will do a better job of protecting the public and holding owners of vicious dogs accountable.
It is hoped that HB 14 will pass the House in the summer session and then be moved to the Senate. So far the debate has seemed good and we are progression toward a new law that would reflect more modern thought when it comes to addressing issues with dangerous dogs -- although the bill has yet to be voted on in the House.
Fingers crossed.
My fingers & toes are crossed...have signed every petition and sent letters w/pictures...I luv my two pitbulls and hate the stigma attached to them by this law and how it has affected public opinion of the breed!!! Pround mommy of Bella & Bentley!!!
Come on Ohio do the right thing for responsible pet owners!!!!!!!
Posted by: Stefanie | June 10, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Yes, fingers crossed. Tonight, I will be speaking tonight at a small village in Jefferson County, OH (Village of Amsterdam) which is contemplating BSL in addition to what the state already has, and of course bringing HB 14 to their attention. We (Appalachian Ohio SPCA)have been a loud voice on behalf of the bully breeds in this region, and will continue to do so.
Posted by: Robin McClelland | June 13, 2011 at 07:03 AM
I have a question that I cannot seem to get an answer to. If/when HB/Sub SB14 passes, will local counties still be able to enforce their BSL ordinances under Home Rule? According to the Ohio constitution, local municipalities may enact Home Rule as long as they are not in conflict with State laws. I have read Sub SB14 but cannot figure out what effect it will have, if any, on local laws. Any clarification you may have would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by: Melissa E | September 02, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Melissa - my understanding of this is that SB 14 only removes the statewide BSL, but will have no impact on local communities enacting BSL if they are so inclined. While this certainly not ideal, it is at least a win for removing statewide provisions and at least 2 majore cities have shown that the inclination to pass BSL on the local level is fading somewhat.
Posted by: Brent | September 02, 2011 at 11:41 AM