Ohio, End State Law's Discrimination Against Pit Bulls

BILL:

HB 366—Removes Pit Bills from Definition of Vicious Dog

We’re calling out to Ohio residents today—Please email the letter below to your representative in the Ohio House and to House leadership, urging them to support HB 366 and schedule it for proponent testimony.

On Wednesday, January 9, the Ohio House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veteran Affairs (ISV) Committee heard sponsor testimony on HB 366. Please urge your representative, along with House leadership, to support HB 366 and to request that their colleagues on the ISV Committee schedule it for a hearing at which proponents like you can speak in its favor.

HB 366 is important legislation that would remove pit bulls from the Ohio dangerous dog law's definition of "vicious dog." This would mean that only an unprovoked dog who injures a person or kills another dog may be deemed "vicious."

Further, by removing pit bulls from the vicious dog definition, HB 366 would ensure that dog owners could not be prosecuted under state law merely because of their dogs’ breed or appearance. Under Ohio law, the owner of a vicious dog must comply with certain confinement requirements and purchase a $100,000 liability insurance policy. Failure to do so is a crime subject to fines and imprisonment--and ultimately, the seizure and destruction of one’s dog.

Importantly, there is no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites. However, there is significant evidence that well-enforced, breed-neutral laws do. In fact, experts in the field have concluded that only breed-neutral laws can keep communities safe. Please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center for more information on breed-specific laws.

LINK TO LETTER