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Ohio Vicious Dog Statute

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)   the dog "[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 

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

•      While a vicious dog is on the property of the owner, keeper or harborer, the dog must be securely
       confined in a

             *     locked pen that has a top,

             *    locked fenced yard                OR

             *    other locked enclosure that has a top.

•      When off the property of the owner, keeper or harborer, the dog must be on a "chain-link leash"         
       or on a "tether that is not more than six feet in length" AND MUST:

            *     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.

•      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.

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

Bill Proposed in the House to change Ohio's Vicious Dog Statute

Click Here to learn more about House Bill 366.