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.
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