From the AKC:
Ohio House Bill 568, introduced by Representative Tyrone Yates of Cincinnati, seeks to prohibit the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a dog that “belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog.” Furthermore, if this bill is passed and adopted into law, all such dogs will be seized and euthanized. It is imperative that all concerned dog owners in Ohio contact their elected representatives and express their vehement opposition to this draconian legislation…
HB 568 unacceptably provides that:
- No person shall own, keep, or harbor a dog that belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog.
- No later than 90 days after the effective date of this bill, a person who owns, keeps, or harbor a pit bull dog will be forced to surrender the dog to a dog warden.
- Within ten days of surrender, the dog warden shall euthanize the dog.
- If an officer has probable cause to believe that a dog is a pit bull, the officer may apply for a search warrant. After obtaining a search warrant, an officer shall seize the dog and transfer the dog to the dog warden, who shall euthanize the dog within 10 days.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
All concerned Ohio dog owners should contact their elected representatives and express their strong opposition to HB 568. To find your elected representatives, click here.
For more information, please contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
7 responses to “Draconian Ohio Breed-Specific Bill Introduced”
This is a horrible bill. I sure hope the people in Ohio don’t let their government roll all over them.
I can’t believe people are still standing by with rose-coloured glasses on while this disgusting agenda gains speed and strength.
This is revolting. It’s cruel to the dogs, cruel to the people who would have to see their pets KILLED for no good reason, and it’s stupid because the overwhelming majority of “pit bulls” are wonderful dogs. I volunteer at a shelter, and there are lots of sweet, loving dogs that would be classified as pit bulls. I’m glad I don’t live in Ohio – and next time I’m looking to move, if this law is on the books, I won’t be moving there!
If this does pass, then while people are trying to challenge it in court, maybe those of us in neighboring states can organize an “underground railroad” to get the dogs safely into foster care in other states till someone with more than two functioning brain cells can get this changed.
I am a Dayton resident in shock. If this hideous law isn’t strongly opposed, a sleeping electorate will wake up to industrial scale slaughter of a breed containing ,by far, innocent animals.
I have made over 16 calls to state legislatures, US Senators, Reps.
Light the phones up and this can be derailed. Then, in November, campaign and support Yates’ opponent in the election and send him packing for his role in this lunatic suggestion.
I am an Ohio citizien as well. I promise if this law passes I will be finding a new residence, assuredly in another more friendly and intelligent state.
My son will move from the state of Ohio before he lets anything happen to his “brother and sister” pit bulls.
His two dogs are better behaved than alot of kids I see in Youngstown.
This is very cruel.
I also live in Ohio. While I do not have a Pit Bull, I own a French Mastiff who is often mistaken for a Pit Bull. I have sent information to hundreds of people that are also against such a Draconion law and they have sent to hundreds of people as well. We as citizens need to stand up and keep the government out of our buisness. I have always said there are 4 things you dont mess with of a mans and thats his wife, his bike, his gun, or his dog. I love my dog more than I love 95% of people i know. If it were to pass, I would move immediately. Please voice your opposition on this law. You can contact Tyrone Yates via email at
district33@ohr.state.oh.us