CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Following a severe dog attack in Colerain Township, there are growing calls to update Ohio’s laws on dangerous dogs.
Hamilton County Chief Dog Warden Beth Ward emphasized the need for change and why changes are necessary.
“So, right now, the laws as they are written in the Ohio Revised Code, they need to be changed.” Ward said.
She noted that the current laws are too vague, leaving much open to discretion.
State Representative Cecil Thomas is sponsoring a bill that would require a dangerous dog to be quarantined in a shelter for 10 days to allow for an investigation and to ensure no one else gets hurt.
“Trying to just bring some common sense to the whole process,” Thomas said.
The proposal also includes holding dog owners financially responsible for the quarantine costs during the investigation.
“It’s just about personal responsibility,” Thomas said.
Under the proposed legislation, wardens would have the authority to recommend whether a dog should be euthanized or receive additional training, though a judge would make the final decision.
“We’re trying to put as many tools in the toolbox of the wardens as well as law enforcement to address any concerns,” Thomas said.
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He is also considering increasing penalties for dog owners in such cases.
“Anytime a dog does something, the owner should be held accountable in some form or fashion,” said Thomas.
Ward expressed hope for legislation that benefits both animals and community members.
“We’re hoping for something that will benefit the animals as well as the people in our communities,” said Ward.
A similar bill is in the works that would mandate euthanasia for dogs that kill or severely injure someone.
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