Licking Today

State Representative Kevin Miller from Newark has presented a new legislative proposal targeting the issue of dangerous dog attacks in Ohio. The proposed legislation aims to revise existing laws and establish clearer guidelines in the Ohio Revised Code for identifying vicious, dangerous, and nuisance dogs.

The legislation will also introduce measures for the protection of dogs that act in self-defense, or in defense of their owners or property. An important aspect of the bill is the requirement for the euthanasia of a dog if it has killed or seriously injured a person, but only after due legal process. Additionally, the bill seeks to empower local dog wardens with the immediate authority to seize a dog following an attack.

Miller expressed confidence in the legislation's potential impact, stating, “This critical legislation will increase public safety throughout Ohio communities. We must hold owners of dangerous and vicious dogs accountable when they fail to control their dogs, while also protecting dogs who are defending themselves or their households.”