Statewide Elimination of Breed Specific Legislation Goes into Effect Today

Breed specific legislation is a law or ordinance targeting a specific breed of domestic animal. Breed specific legislation is generally aimed at pit bulls and other breeds of dogs. Ohio HB 14 [full text of final version], which comes into effect today, changes the definition of “vicious dog” at the state level. Previously, state law defined “vicious dog” in part as “[b]elong[ing] to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull.” This language has now been removed from the state definition of vicious dog. You can track the complete status and history of HB 14 through our subscription to Hannah Capitol Connection.

This statewide change in breed specific legislation does not change the status of or prohibit local cities and municipalities from passing local breed specific ordinances. The City of Cleveland repealed its breed specific ordinance in June 2011. It has been replaced by a system of Level-One and Level-Two threat dogs. A Level-One threat dog is a dog that has menaced or otherwise endangered humans or other domestic animals. A Level-Two threat dog is a dog that has, without provocation, killed or seriously harmed a human or other domestic animal. The City of Cleveland animal ordinances are available here; you can read more about Cleveland’s repeal of its breed specific legislation from the KC Dog Blog.

Photo credit: This is librarian Beth Farrell’s “vicious” pit bull, Daisy, looking studious in her glasses and pink boa.