In Ohio, leaving a pet chained outside is subject to specific regulations designed to protect animal welfare. While there is no statewide ban on tethering pets, there are laws and local ordinances that restrict how and when pets can be left outside.
Statewide Regulations
Ohio does not have a comprehensive statewide law banning the chaining of pets. However, there are efforts to limit the practice through proposed legislation.
For example, a bill introduced in the past aimed to restrict chaining animals for more than two consecutive hours, with a requirement to provide a one-hour break afterward. This bill also proposed prohibiting tethering between 10 PM and 6 AM, in severe weather, or in unsanitary conditions.
Local Ordinances
Several cities in Ohio have enacted their own ordinances to regulate pet tethering:
- Cincinnati: Prohibits tethering a dog for more than six hours in a 24-hour period or between 10 PM and 6 AM. Tethering is also restricted in unsanitary conditions.
- Columbus: Bans tethering unattended between 10 PM and 6 AM or in environments violating city codes. It also prohibits using pinch, prong, or choke collars for tethering.
- Cleveland: Limits tethering to no more than six hours total in a 24-hour period and prohibits it between 10 PM and 6 AM. The tether must be at least 15 feet long if not attached to a fixed point.
Animal Cruelty Laws
Ohio’s animal cruelty laws provide additional protections for pets. Knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal is a fifth-degree felony under “Goddard’s Law,” which applies to all dogs and cats, including strays.
Consequences of Violating Tethering Laws
Violating local tethering ordinances can result in fines and potential misdemeanor charges. For example, in Columbus, violations are punishable as a misdemeanor, with fines increasing for subsequent offenses.
While Ohio does not have a statewide ban on chaining pets, local ordinances and animal cruelty laws provide significant protections for pets left outside. It’s essential for pet owners to be aware of these regulations to ensure they are treating their pets humanely and legally.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.nhes.org/ohio-house-introduces-dog-chaining-ban/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.962349217162241.1073741935.476497349080766&type=3
[3] https://www.pawsohio.org/animal-rights
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/cincinnati-ohio/
