Ohio Valley Dog Owners, Inc.

Protecting dogs, dog owners and our neighbors
through education and community service

• Victories so far in 2012
• See the archives for past legislative news
• Visit the Ohio Association of Animal Owners

• Check out the National Animal Interest Alliance
• Log onto the AKC legislative division

Governor Kasich signed the kennel licensing bill into law December 11

After several years of struggle t get a kennel licensing bill that did not unfairly target good breeders, the House amended and passed SB 130, a bill that regulates large commercial breeders and has consequences for other breeders and rescue organizations. There were enough changes from the original that OVDO testified as an interested party requesting a few more changes instead of continuing to oppose the majority of the bill's provisions. See details below and in the upcoming OVDO newsletter. AKC sent several letters detailing objections to certain provisions in the bill and reported the end result in a letter that will be included in the newsletter. SB 130 goes into effect 90 days after the signing.

Cruelty bill dies again in Senate

HB 108, a cruelty bill that gave prosecutors discretion to change certain offenders with a fifth degree felony, passed the House and the Senate Judiciary Committee but didn't get a vote by the full Senate. Dubbed Nitro's Law after a dog that died in a training kennel near Youngstown, the bill allowed prosecutors to charge kennel owners, managers, and employees with a low-degree felony for severe cruelty or abuse violations. Current law does not differentiate between types of offenders.

The bill is limited to kennels covered by Ohio Revised Code 955.04, which requires registration of breeding and hunting kennels with the county auditor. It does not cover training kennels or other businesses that house large numbers of dogs away from public scrutiny.

Fifth degree felony charges carry punishment of up to a year in jail and up to $2500 fine. Current punishment is a top-level misdemeanor, which carries sentences of up to six months in jail and up to $1000 fine. Details will be in the upcoming OVDO newsletter.

Changes to the federal Animal Welfare Act regulations are coming

The US Department of Agriculture plans a change to the Animal Welfare Regulations that will bring Internet commercial retail puppy sellers under federal supervision. The proposal has unintended consequences: it also places federal inspectors in the homes of show, performance, and working dog breeders who raise a few litters each year. Both NAIA and AKC have analyzed the draft proposal and offered alternatives that would exempt these small-time breeders who produce occasional litters of puppies in their efforts to maintain breed characteristics and behaviors and provide healthy pets for families while still protecting breeding stock in commercial operations. See the NAIA comment; the AKC resource page, and the collection of more than 15,000 USDA comments.

Victories and partial victories in 2012

Victory: Ohio repeals BSL in state law

HB 14, introduced by Representative Barbara Sears, deletes "pit bull" from the definition of dangerous dog in Ohio Law. Both House and Senate approved the bill and Governor Kasich signed it into law on February 21 and HB 14 took effect on May 20.

HB 14 also changed the state's vicious dog law by rewriting the dangerous and vicious categories and adding a nuisance category to cover loose dogs that harass or threaten people in public.

OVDO supported the original version of HB 14 but asked for changes in the amendments. Our letter to the sponsor is here. The amended bill is available here. Our letter to Representative Sears about the flaws in the amended bill and a request to change it in the Senate is here. Our most recent HB 14 letter to the Judiciary Committee is here.

Partial victory: A proposed change to Ohio cruelty law

HB 25, introduced by Representative Courtney Combs,

• adds family pets to domestic violence protection orders;
• allows courts to require counseling for juvenile offenders convicted of animal cruelty; and
• allows intensive probationary periods for offenders;

Cosponsors are Representatives Timothy Derickson, Cheryl Grossman, Bill Patmon, Connie Pillich, Peter Beck, Michael Stinziano, Mike Dovilla, Ron Maag, Terry Blair, Gerald Stebelton, Cliff Rosenberger, Bob Hackett, and Mike Ashford. HB 25 passed the House but was not heard in the Senate. OVDO supported HB 25.

Victory: Cincinnati's seesaw pit bull ban is off again!

On May 16, Cincinnati City Council voted 8-1 to drop its ban on dogs identified as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers or any mixed-breed containing one of these breeds. The original ban was passed in the late 1980s, was dropped in favor of a more comprehensive dangerous dog law in 1999, and re-enacted in 2003.

The ordinance was introduced by Councilman Chris Seelbach. Councilman Cecil Thomas was the lone "no" vote. The council also appointed a task force to review the city's animal laws and report back in 90 days.

Partial victory: Accountability for human agent training

HB 138, introduced by Representative Ronald Gerberry, amends current animal cruelty law to require humane agents to provide proof

that they have completed a training course in legal procedure and animal husbandry.

Current law requires them to attend the training but includes no accountability to assure the public that the training has been completed. HB 138 passed the House but was not heard in the Senate. OVDO supported HB 138.

NAIA promotes responsible animal ownership and use, exposes the arrogance and danger of the animal rights movement, and encourages lawmakers and regulators to include responsible animal owners in their deliberations. Visit the NAIA website at http://www.naiaonline.org

See these NAIA articles for more information: From firearms to Fido: "Feel Good" Laws Make Things Worse, and the NAIA Guide to Pet Friendly Ordinances

The Ohio Association of Animal Owners' members are committed to protect the rights of animal owners, aid in securing fair regulations and legislation, and educate animal owners in their responsibility to animal care and public safety. The OAAO supports the responsible ownership and use of animals and animal products.