Columbus Area Pet Laws
Bexley OH- Pit Bulls banned- Bexley Municipal Code 618.16 (a)(5)C
“Vicious animal means: Any dog which belongs to, or has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds of dogs known as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and any other breed of dog commonly known as Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Dogs or Pit Bull Terriers or a combination of those breeds
“No person shall knowingly, recklessly or negligently possess, keep, maintain, harbor or have care, custody or control of a vicious animal within the City.”
Canal Winchester OH- Pit Bulls considered vicious- Canal Winchester Municipal Code 505.14 (a)(4)A3
"Vicious dog" means a dog that is a pit bull terrier, the ownership, keeping or harboring of such a dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping or harboring of a vicious dog. Pit bull terrier" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any American Pit Bull Terrier, any Bull Terrier, any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier”.
“No owner, keeper or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog shall fail to do either of the following: While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a building, or in a locked pen which has a concrete floor and a top (or other locked enclosure which has a concrete floor and a top) inside a locked fenced yard (of at least six feet in height), except that a dangerous dog, as defined in subsection (a)(1)A. above [specifically excluding any vicious dog, as defined in subsection (a)(4)A.] may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash or tether so that the dog is adequately restrained. An electronic pet containment system (i.e., invisible fence) shall not be the sole and exclusive means of restraint. While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, muzzle that dog, keep it on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following: Keep that dog in a locked pen which has a top, locked fenced yard (of at least six feet in height) or other locked enclosure which has a top; Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is at least 16 years of age and is physically capable of restraining such dog from chasing or approaching any person in a menacing fashion, or securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person. No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog”.
**BSL Repealed**Circleville OH- No BSL
Delaware OH- No BSL- Pet Limit of 3 Dogs- Delaware Municipal Code 505.09(a)
No household shall be permitted to own or board more than three dogs that are ten weeks of age or older on the premises of the household.
Dublin OH- Pit Bulls considered vicious – Dublin Municipal Code 91.28 Vicious Dog (1)(C) & 91.29
"Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. The ownership, keeping, or harboring of such a breed of dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a vicious dog. While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a locked pen that has a top, a locked fenced yard with a fence at the maximum height allowed by law, or other locked enclosure that has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash so that the dog is adequately restrained; (2) While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following: (a) Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard with a fence at the maximum height allowed by law, or other locked enclosure that has a top; (b) Have the leash controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie, or affix the leash to the ground or a stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person; c) Muzzle that dog. (C) No owner, keeper, or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to file with the Dublin Division of Police proof of liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than $100,000 because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog".
Gahanna OH- No BSL- Pet Limit of 4 adult dogs and/or cats- Gahanna Municipal Code 505.09 (f)
"No person shall keep more than four adult animals for pleasure, profit, breeding or exhibiting without obtaining a kennel license and complying with the Zoning Code. Adult animals are defined as older than three months in age".
Grove City OH- No BSL- Pet Limit of 3 dogs and/or cats- Grove City Municipal Code 505.15(a)
No person shall own, keep or harbor: more than three dogs or three cats; more than one dog and two cats; more than two dogs and one cat, except puppies and kittens under three months old, in or on the premises of any dwelling unit within the City.
Groveport OH- Pit Bulls considered vicious – Groveport Municipal Code 505.16 (a)(4)3
"Is a pit bull terrier, the ownership, keeping or harboring of such a dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping or harboring of a vicious dog. "Pit bull terrier" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any American Pit Bull Terrier, any Bull Terrier, any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a building, in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash or tether so that the dog is adequately restrained; (2) hile that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following:A. Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top;B. Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person;C. Muzzle that dog.(c) No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog".
**BSL Repealed**Heath OH- No BSL
Hilliard OH- No BSL- Pet limit of four dog and/or cats- Hilliard Municipal Code 505.06
"Not more than four dogs or cats or any combination thereof, except puppies and kittens not over four months old, may be kept in any single-family dwelling, or in any separate suite in a dwelling for two or four families within this City. The terms "dwelling" and "suite" as used in this section, include the lot or parcel of land on which the house or building containing the suite is located, and also all outbuildings located on the lot or parcel. This provision shall not apply to a dwelling that holds a current kennel license".
**BSL Repealed**Lancaster OH- No BSL
"Belongs to a breed known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Terrier, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breeds aforestated so as to be identifiable as partially of any one of such breeds.
"Confined" means in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the owner of the dog. The pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides shall be embedded into the ground no less than one foot. All such pens or structures shall be adequately lighted and kept in a clean and sanitary condition. If confined in a dwelling, it cannot have direct ingress from or egress to the outdoors unless it leads directly to an enclosed pen and the door must be locked.(b) Vicious dogs are hereby prohibited within the jurisdictional limits of the City. (1) Persons who presently have vicious dogs licensed in the City shall make the dog confined in a locked pen on the premises and shall have liability insurance with coverage in effect, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog for each occurrence. The owner shall provide proof of current insurance coverage with the Chief of Police within thirty days of the effective date of this section. The owner shall not permit the dog to go beyond the premises of the owner unless the dog is properly in leash and the dog is muzzled in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting any human or animal.Further, the owner shall display in a prominent place on his or her premises a clearly visible warning sign indicating that there is a vicious dog on the premises. A similar sign is required to be placed on the pen of the animal.(2) Persons who presently have vicious dogs shall not acquire another vicious dog once the vicious dog they presently have registered with the County Auditor dies or is sold or otherwise disposed of.(c) Dangerous dogs shall not be permitted to go beyond the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer at any time under the supervision of an individual at least 18 years old and muzzled or properly in leash. "Properly in leash" means secured on a chain no more than three feet in length with at least 300 pounds of tensile strength and under the physical restraint of a responsible adult person.(d) No owner, keeper or harborer of any dangerous dog shall fail so at any time to keep it either physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer by a leash, as defined in subsection (c) hereof, adequate fence, supervision or secure enclosure to prevent escape, or under absolute control of some responsible adult person".
Marion OH- Pit Bulls considered vicious- Marion Municipal Code 618.16(J)(4)(a)(iii)
"Vicious dog" means a dog that, Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. The ownership, keeping, or harboring of such a breed of dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a vicious dog. No owner, keeper, or harborer of any female dog shall permit it to go beyond the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer at any time the dog is in heat unless the dog is properly in leash. (B) Except when a dog is lawfully engaged in hunting and accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer, or handler of the dog, no owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall fail at any time to do either of the following: (1) Keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape; (2) Keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person. (C) Except when a dangerous or vicious dog is lawfully engaged in hunting or training for the purpose of hunting and 'is accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer, or handler of the dog, no owner, keeper, or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog shall fail to do either of the following: (1) While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure that has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash or tether so that the dog is adequately restrained; (2) While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following: (a) Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure that has a top; (b) Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie, or affix the leash or tether to the ground or a stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person; (c) Muzzle that dog. (D) No owner, keeper, or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog.
Mount Gilead OH- Pit Bulls Banned- Mount Gildead Municipal Code 505.14
Prohibition. No person shall own, keep or harbor a pit bull terrier in the Village. (b) Pit Bull Terrier Defined. As used in this section, "pit bull terrier" means any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, as to be identifiable as particularly of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier by a qualified veterinary duly licensed as such by the State. (c) Intent. This section is a necessary control to eliminate the risk of attack by pit bulls on human beings in the Village, which risk has become a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the public and all areas of the Village. Lack of knowledge or lack of intent is not a defense to any violation of this section.(d) Penalty.(1) Whoever violates this section, in addition to any other penalties as may be appropriately applied under this chapter, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned not more than 60 days, or both. (2) When any person is found guilty of a second violation of this section, such person may be imprisoned for not more than 60 days and shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500.00), which fine shall be mandatory and shall not be suspended or remitted.(3) When any person is found guilty of a third violation of this section, such person may be imprisoned for not more than 60 days and shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), which fine shall be mandatory and shall not be remitted.(4) In addition to such penalties, whoever violates this section shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, veterinary expenses for identification or certification of the breed of animal, boarding and veterinary expenses necessitated by the seizure of any dog for the protection of the public, and such other expenses as may be required for the elimination of any such dog.
**BSL Repealed** Marysville OH- No BSL
**BSL Repealed**Mt. Vernon OH- No BSL
New Albany OH- Pit Bulls considered vicious- New Albany Municipal Code 505.14 a(4)A3
“Vicious dog” means a dog that belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. "Pit bull terrier" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any American Pit Bull Terrier, any Bull Terrier, any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.While the dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, securely confine it at all times in an approved locked pen or approved locked fenced yard or other approved locked enclosure that has a top while the dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a chain linked leash no longer than six feet so that the dog is adequately restrained. While a dangerous dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length. While the vicious dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, muzzle the vicious dog, keep the vicious dog in an approved locked pen or other approved locked enclosure or in the alternative have the vicious dog restrained by a chain linked leash no longer than six feet which is controlled by a competent adult. No owner, keeper, or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog.
New Lexingont OH- Pit Bulls Banned- New Lexington Municipal Code 503.04(a)(5)C & 503.04(c)
"Vicious dog" means: Any dog which belongs to, or has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds of dogs known as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and any other breed of dog commonly known as Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Dogs or Pit Bull Terriers or a combination of those breeds.
With the exception of any dog which belongs to, or has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds of dogs known as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and any other breed of dog commonly known as Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Dogs or Pit Bull Terriers or a combination of those breeds, no person shall be guilty of any provision of this Chapter without a finding that a dog is dangerous or vicious pursuant to Section 503.05. No person shall knowingly, recklessly or negligently possess, keep, maintain, harbor or have care, custody or control of a vicious dog within the City of New Lexington. In addition to any criminal penalties which may be imposed against the owner under this section, an Animal Warden, police officer or other person authorized by the Mayor or the Chief of Police may seize and impound a vicious dog found within the City of New Lexington. Such dog shall not be released without the approval of the Mayor or the Chief of Police, on such conditions as may be reasonably imposed by them to ensure compliance with this Section, and after the payment of all costs and charges incurred by the City of New Lexington for the impounding and maintenance of such dog. However, if any dangerous or vicious dog found at large cannot be safely seized for impounding, the police may use whatever force is necessary, including killing the dog, to protect the public safety and ensure the public peace and safety. Any dog which is seized or impounded but not redeemed may be disposed of as provided by Ohio R.C. 955.16 A dog determined to be a vicious dog may be destroyed by the animal control department when it is found, after proceedings conducted under Section 503.05, subject to right of appeal of the owner under Section 503.06, that the release of the dog would create a significant threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.
“Vicious dog” means a dog that belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. While the dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, securely confine it at all times in an approved locked pen or approved locked fenced yard or other approved locked enclosure that has a top while the dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a chain linked leash no longer than six feet so that the dog is adequately restrained. While a dangerous dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length. While the vicious dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, muzzle the vicious dog, keep the vicious dog in an approved locked pen or other approved locked enclosure or in the alternative have the vicious dog restrained by a chain linked leash no longer than six feet which is controlled by a competent adult. The owner, keeper or harborer shall be required to microchip a dog deemed vicious under this section. No owner, keeper or harborer of any vicious dog shall fail to keep such vicious dog's microchipping information current with the City of Newark's Animal Control Officer. No owner, keeper, or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog. No person shall possess any individual species or subspecies of any of the following animals without a permit issued by the Director of Public Safety or his or her designee: A dangerous or vicious dogs as defined in Newark Codified Ordinance Section 618.15 or State law. No more than two restricted animals that are more than three months of age are permitted on any premises within the City of Newark, except that with respect to vicious dogs only one vicious dog may be kept on any premises.
**BSL Repealed**Obetz OH- No BSL
**BSL Repealed**Pickerington OH- No BSL
**BSL Repealed**Powell OH- No BSL
Reynoldsburg OH- Pit Bulls banned- Reynoldsburg Municipal Code 505.01 3(m)5 & 505.35 (a)
"Vicious dog or other vicious animal" means a dog or other animal that “Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. The ownership, keeping or harboring of such a dog, commonly known as a pit bull dog, shall be prima facie evidence of the ownership, keeping or harboring of a vicious dog or other vicious animal. No person shall own, keep, or harbor any vicious dog or other vicious animal, as defined in section 505.01(m) within the municipality”
**Reynoldsburg PD has decided to include American Bulldogs in the "pit bull dog" categorization.
Follow the movement to repeal the ban at Pit Bulls for Reynoldsburg
Shawnee Hills OH- Pit Bulls Banned- Shawnee Hills Municipal Code 505.14(a)(4)A3 & (a)(4)c & (b)
"Vicious dog" means a dog that Is a Pit Bull Terrier, the ownership, keeping or harboring of such a dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping or harboring of a vicious dog."Pit Bull Terrier" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any American Pit Bull Terrier, any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. No person shall knowingly, recklessly, or negligently, possess, keep, maintain, harbor, or have care custody, or contrail of a Pit Bull Terrier within the municipality. Whoever violates subsection (b) is guilty of a misdemeanor in the first degree and the court may order the Pit Bull Terrier to be seized, impounded and/or humanly destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the County Dog Warden, or the County Humane Society
Sunbury OH- Pit Bulls Banned- Sunbury Municipal Code 505.14(a)(4)3 & 505.14(c)(2)
"Vicious dog" means a dog that Is a pit bull terrier, the ownership, keeping or harboring of such a dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping or harboring of a vicious dog. "Pit bull terrier" as used herein includes any American Pit Bull Terrier, any Bull Terrier, any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. A pit bull terrier, as defined in subsection (a)(4)C. is conclusively presumed to be a vicious dog, wherever the term "vicious dog" is used throughout this section. No person in the Village of Sunbury, Ohio shall own, possess, or control a pit bull terrier as defined in subsection (a)(4)C. hereof within the Municipal limits of the Village of Sunbury, Ohio. This subsection (c) hereof is a necessary control to eliminate the risk of attack by pit bulls, as defined herein, on persons in the Village of Sunbury, Ohio, which breed of dog has become a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public in all areas of the Village; and the lack of knowledge of the propensity of a pit bull terrier to be dangerous or vicious or the lack of intent to injure is eliminated as a defense to any attack upon any person by a pit bull terrier.
"Vicious Dog: means any dog, which represents a danger to any person(s) or to any other domestic animal for any of the following reasons: Any dog that belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a Pit Bull or a Pit Bull mixed breed dog. The ownership, keeping, or harboring of such a breed of dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a vicious dog.While the dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine the dog at all times in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure that has a top; (2) While the dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep the dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six (6) feet in length and additionally shall do at least one of the following: (a) Keep the dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure that has a top; (b) Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie, or affix the leash or tether to the ground or a stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to the dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person; (c) Muzzle the dog. (A) No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog and to provide proof of that liability insurance upon request to any law enforcement officer, county dog warden, or public health official charged with enforcing this section".
"not more than four (4) dogs or cats or any combination thereof, may be kept in any single-family dwelling or in any separate suite in a dwelling for two (2) or more families within this City. (B) Puppies and kittens under four (4) months old shall not be included toward the total of the maximum number of dogs and cats permitted. (C) No person, organization or corporation shall own, keep, harbor or provide sustenance for more than one (1) vicious dog, with the exception of puppies commonly known as Pit Bull or Pit Bull mixed breed dog.
West Jefferson OH-Pit Bulls considered Vicious- West Jefferson Municipal Code 505.14(a)(4)A3
"Vicious dog" means a dog that Is a pit bull terrier, the ownership, keeping or harboring of such a dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping or harboring of a vicious dog."Pit bull terrier" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any American Pit Bull Terrier, any Bull Terrier, any Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. Except when a dangerous or vicious dog is lawfully engaged in hunting or training for the purpose of hunting and is accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer, or handler of the dog, no owner, keeper, or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog shall fail to do either of the following:(1) While that dog is on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, securely confine it at all times in a building, in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top, except that a dangerous dog may, in the alternative, be tied with a leash or tether so that the dog is adequately restrained;(2) While that dog is off the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer, keep that dog on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than six feet in length and additionally do at least one of the following:A. Keep that dog in a locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure that has a top;B.Have the leash or tether controlled by a person who is of suitable age and discretion or securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or stationary object or fixture so that the dog is adequately restrained and station such a person in close enough proximity to that dog so as to prevent it from causing injury to any person;C.Muzzle that dog.(c)No owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog. (ORC 955.22)(d) If a violation of subsection (b) hereof involves a dangerous dog, whoever violates that subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and of a misdemeanor of the third degree on each subsequent offense. Additionally, the court may order the offender to personally supervise the dangerous dog that the offender owns, keeps or harbors, to cause that dog to complete dog obedience training, or to do both, and the court may order the offender to obtain liability insurance pursuant to subsection (c) hereof. The court, in the alternative, may order the dangerous dog to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian, the Dog Warden or the humane society.
Whitehall OH- No BSL- Pet Limit of three dogs- Whitehall Municipal Code 505.13 (a)
"No person shall keep or harbor more than three dogs, excluding puppies less than four months old, in any single family dwelling, or in any separate suite in a two-family dwelling or apartment dwelling, within this City. The terms "dwelling" and "suite", as used in this section, include the parcel of land upon which the building containing the dwelling or suite is located, and also all out-buildings located on that parcel of land".
