Ohio proposal would require euthanasia for dogs that kill, seriously injure ...Middle East

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An Ohio lawmaker is working on a bill that would require euthanasia for dogs that seriously injure or kill a human. 

Under state law, a judge has discretion on whether to mandate euthanasia for a dog that causes severe injuries or kills a person. Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) said legislation he is working on would change that.

“You don't get a free bite or a free kill,” Miller said. “Essentially, in my mind, if a dog attacks someone unprovoked and they cause serious physical harm or death, they're going to be euthanized under my bill.”

The legislation would only apply to unprovoked attacks. For example, Miller said a dog that seriously injures or kills a trespasser would not have to be euthanized. Miller also intends for the legislation to clarify "confusing" language surrounding dangerous canines in the current law and give dog wardens more flexibility when it comes to seizing dogs that attack.

“What we really need to do is give our dog wardens the ability to immediately seize these animals, which they don't currently have,” Miller said. “[Current law] is very confusing for both our dog wardens and actually, our prosecutors say that the language isn't written real well, so it's time to take a look at that.”

Each county in Ohio has a dog warden who is responsible for enforcing dog-related laws, managing strays, and handling complaints about aggressive or noisy canines.

Currently, the penalties for dog owners whose pets bite or attack are misdemeanors in the majority of instances. However, if a dog kills a person, the owner could face a fourth-degree felony, which is punishable by a mandatory 6-18 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. The court may also order the dog be put down, but it is not mandated. Only after two fatalities is euthanasia required. 

Miller said he is also considering enhancing penalties for dog owners for certain offenses but is concerned increasing punishments too much would hinder the bill from passing.  

“I'm just being very careful what we do with this in the penalty section now, there will probably be some enhancements in there, but I know that that's something that has a tendency to to kill bills – if you go too heavy with the penalty enhancement,” Miller said. 

The introduction of the bill will come after multiple recent dog attacks that garnered public attention, including an April incident where a baby was killed by a family dog. However, Miller said he was inspired to begin working on the bill about six months ago when a local dog warden reached out to him. 

“We started having some conversations and actually, it was well before a lot of this stuff started coming to light in the local media, getting all the attention that it's getting,” Miller said.

The Ohio County Dog Wardens Association has a wish list of state law changes for Miller to consider, which include:

Vicki Deisner, executive director of the nonprofit Ohio Animal Advocates, said dog attacks are a "complex problem" with multiple underlying causes that need to be addressed. One issue she pointed to was the current national veterinarian shortage that has reduced spay and neuter procedures and resulted in more homeless canines. Dogs that are not fixed are more prone to aggression.

"Ohio Animal Advocates recognizes the need to address the recent dog attacks in Ohio and work on comprehensive legislation to address the root causes of the issue," Deisner said. "OAA agrees with the recommendations of the Ohio County Dog Wardens Association for changes to Ohio's current laws."

Miller said he is aiming to introduce the bill by the end of the month. 

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ohio proposal would require euthanasia for dogs that kill, seriously injure )

Also on site :

• French leftists cry foul as Israel nixes visit
• Meeting with the Exporters and Investors Club 
• Senior leaders are feeling the burden of cuts to middle management