Bill > HB676

This bill establishes regulations for wolfdog hybrids and allows county commissioners to address animal nuisances. Specifically, it defines "wolfdog hybrid" to include various generations of wolf-dog offspring and animals advertised as such, and mandates that these animals be treated as "dogs" for the purposes of this chapter. Owners of wolfdog hybrids must obtain a special registration annually, costing one hundred dollars, and provide proof of spaying/neutering or a veterinary statement of medical contraindication, post warning signs, and microchip the animal. The bill also requires owners to notify the county auditor and dog warden of address changes within ten days and imposes strict liability for failing to present a wolfdog hybrid registration or affix the required tag. Furthermore, it outlines specific containment requirements for wolfdog hybrids, both indoors and outdoors, and mandates liability insurance of at least one hundred thousand dollars for owners, with immediate notification to the dog warden if the animal is loose, bites someone (unless trespassing), or attacks another animal off-property. Sellers of wolfdog hybrids must provide buyers, local health boards, and dog wardens with detailed information about the animal's history and behavior, and failure to do so is a strict liability offense. Finally, the bill empowers boards of county commissioners to abate, control, or remove nuisance animals from land, with the ability to recoup costs from the property owner after providing proper notice, and allows these boards to establish procedures for the abatement of certain animal nuisances, including the seizure and disposal of animals that become the financial responsibility of the county.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb676