Ohio has the weakest cruelty laws in the nation but not any more! Senate Bill 221 will take effect in 90 days. Ohio has not updated it's cruelty laws in over 150 years!
Under the bill:
Cruelty would be more sharply defined for animals kept in the home including cats and dogs. People will be barred from "knowingly torturing,tormenting,needlessly mutilating or maiming, beating, poisoning,needlessly killing, or commiting an act of cruelty against a companion animal. Those who keep animals would be required to provide sufficient quantities of wholesome food and potable water, adequate ventilation and circulation of "wholesome air" and adequate shelter. They also require excercise for the animal and enough space to stand up, stretch, turn around and lie down comfortably.Animal creulty would become a first degree misdemeaner, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1000. fine. A second offense would become a fifth degree felony punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,500. fine. Abandonment would become a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750. fine. A second offense would be a first degree misdemeanor.Judges could order psychological testing or counseling for animal abusers. Agencies that seize abused animals could seek money from abusers to cover care and rehabilitation. Humane agents will be required to undergo 20 hrs of legal and investigative training. Humane agents would be required to report child abuse, given that,according to experts, animals are often abused in homes that expirience domestic violence.
Under the bill:
Cruelty would be more sharply defined for animals kept in the home including cats and dogs. People will be barred from "knowingly torturing,tormenting,needlessly mutilating or maiming, beating, poisoning,needlessly killing, or commiting an act of cruelty against a companion animal. Those who keep animals would be required to provide sufficient quantities of wholesome food and potable water, adequate ventilation and circulation of "wholesome air" and adequate shelter. They also require excercise for the animal and enough space to stand up, stretch, turn around and lie down comfortably.Animal creulty would become a first degree misdemeaner, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1000. fine. A second offense would become a fifth degree felony punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,500. fine. Abandonment would become a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750. fine. A second offense would be a first degree misdemeanor.Judges could order psychological testing or counseling for animal abusers. Agencies that seize abused animals could seek money from abusers to cover care and rehabilitation. Humane agents will be required to undergo 20 hrs of legal and investigative training. Humane agents would be required to report child abuse, given that,according to experts, animals are often abused in homes that expirience domestic violence.