From the Statehouse 2008 No. 28
by Jennifer Garrison
Aug. 15, 2008
From the Statehouse: August 15, 2008
Animals can bring great joy to our lives, but using them for the so-called “sport” of fighting is both cruel and a burden on the rest of society. It’s also illegal, and the Ohio House of Representatives recently passed two bills designed to protect animals from mistreatment and communities from the related criminal activity that often comes with animal cruelty.
We heard testimony in a House committee on how widespread dog fighting is in Ohio. The problem is also not limited to the fighting itself. An investigation last year in Southwestern Ohio led to the discovery of additional criminal activity surrounding the dog fighting communities. These activities include food stamp fraud, auto theft, illegal firearms, and the distribution of narcotics.
House Bill 415 creates stronger penalties for dog fighting. The legislation increases the charge from a 4th degree felony to a 3rd degree felony, even for the first offense. Currently it takes multiple convictions to bring a stiffer penalty.
House Bill 415 also addresses another serious problem in Ohio: cockfighting. The bill brings Ohio law up to the standards of neighboring states, including Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania, by making cockfighting a 4th degree felony. Under current law, a person convicted of cockfighting is currently charged with a 4th degree misdemeanor, or the equivalent of a speeding ticket. Ohio’s penalties for cockfighting are next-to-last in the country, and these weak penalties have made Ohio a magnet for this illegal and destructive activity.
Additionally, HB 415 provides that if police confiscate any equipment, cash, or other items associated with dog or cockfighting the proceeds be used to pay for impounding or euthanizing the animals. Any remaining funds would be used for educational programs to help eliminate dog fighting and cockfighting in our society.
It is important that we protect our community from the crime that surrounds these cruel and inhumane activities. With stiffer penalties for perpetrators, animal fighting enthusiasts will think twice before setting up shop in Ohio. For these reasons, I am proud to be co-sponsor of HB 415. The bill passed out of the House by an overwhelming majority, including my “yes” vote, and it now awaits action in the Senate.
Another bill approved by the Ohio House makes several changes to existing animal control laws. House Bill 446 includes the following requirements:
The General Assembly must review minimum dog registration fees every 5 years
The vaccination age for rabies is to mirror that of the Center for Disease Control
Rabies vaccinations are mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets and must be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian
Counties must maintain devices to scan microchips, which are used along with licensing to identify dogs sent to county animal shelters
Prohibits the transfer of vicious dogs except for humane destruction
Wardens must complete certain training courses provided by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission
Additionally, HB 446 increases the minimum county dog registration fee and the minimum annual dog kennel registration fee. The bill also allows for licenses of kennel owners who have been convicted of animal cruelty to be revoked. Furthermore, the bill renames “dog wardens” to “chief animal control officers” and “dog pounds” to “county animal shelters,” but it does not require responsibility for any other animals but dogs by the county animal shelter. It also adjusts the cost a county can charge for seizing and impounding dogs. Finally, this legislation establishes minimum penalties for violators of Ohio’s dog laws.
HB 446 passed out of the House by an overwhelming majority, including my “yes” vote. The bill now awaits the Senate’s consideration.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at (614) 644-8728, in the district at 373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her website is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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