Overview
- Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 247 on Friday, launching a 90-day timeline for the new rules to take effect statewide.
- Judges must order euthanasia when a dog kills or causes severe injury that risks death, permanent disfigurement or substantial pain, with a hearing required.
- Local dog wardens are newly authorized to seize a dog immediately after an unprovoked attack that results in injury, pending a court decision.
- Owners of dogs designated dangerous or vicious must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and health-care providers and veterinarians must report bites within 24 hours.
- The law preserves exemptions for self-defense and playful or age-appropriate behavior and raises accountability through tiered penalties and restrictions, including limits on certain felony offenders and microchip-related requirements.