Page 36 - Leisure Living Magazine June 2016

Ohio Dog Owners
Continued from page 35
Q: Does Ohio law consider dogs and other ani- mals property?
A: Yes. Ohio law considers pets to be personal property, except that the law does not allow you to abandon or throw away a pet as you might a piece of furniture. And while you are free to keep a piece of furniture out in the rain until it is ruined, there are laws in Ohio that protect dogs from inhumane neglect or abuse.
Q: Since my dog is my personal property, can I do anything I want with my dog?
A: No. You cannot (or allow anyone else to) tor- ture, torment, needlessly mutilate or maim, cru- elly beat, poison, needlessly kill or commit an act of cruelty against a dog (or any other companion animal). Also, you cannot neglect your dog or cause unnecessary pain, or allow the dog’s pain to continue when there is a reasonable remedy or relief; neither can you needlessly kill your dog. Further, you cannot deprive your dog of neces- sary food or confine the dog without providing
adequate and wholesome food and water, and you cannot impound or confine your dog with- out providing access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or excessive direct sunlight.
Q: What if my dog hurts someone or some- one’s property? Can I be held liable for damage or injuries?
A: Yes. Damage caused by your dog is a strict liability offense. This means that, as long as your dog wasn’t attacked, you will be responsible for any damage your dog may do. Therefore, you must properly restrain and control your pet dog at all times. Be sure the dog will not be able to escape from your property or wherever you are keeping it.
This “Law You Can Use” consumer legal infor- mation column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association. It was prepared by attorney Michelle L. Baumeister. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney.
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