CCKC Legislative Alerts

(For more information on these and other Ohio bills, go to Ohio Valley Dog Owners Inc. at http://www.ovdo.org)


Are increased kennel license taxes in Ohio's future?

The kennel licensing bills (HB 223/SB 173 below) seems to be stalled, but lawmakers are hearing testimony on HB 446, a bill to dramatically increase kennel license fees, lower the age for individual dog licenses from three months of age to two months of age, make it more difficult for people to rescue stray dogs, give county auditors the authority to revoke kennel licenses without a court finding of guilty on charges of animal abuse, and ban the sale of 'pit bull' except for euthanasia.

The bill has some good points, though ... it mandates training for dog wardens, provides for amnesty period for those who forget to license their dogs, and requires rabies vaccination for dogs.

Sponsor is Representative Shawn Webster, DVM, from Butler County.


State lawmakers mull over kennel licensing ...

Lawmakers are considering a kennel licensing bill sponsored by Representative Jim Hughes in the House (HB 223) and Senator Gary Cates in the Senate (SB 173). Publicized as an attempt to stop "puppy mills," these bills require criminal background checks for license applicants, place a minimum annual license fee of $150, micromanage veterinary care, and mandate certain conditions for all kennels with more than eight dogs.

Representative Hughes introduced his bill in the last session of the legislature, but it died after a single hearing. HB 223 has had several hearings infront of the House State Government Committee. Opponents to the bill turned up in force on October 11, requiring a second hearing room. Those who testified against the bill included breeders, government officials, and representatives of animal welfare organizations. No hearings have been held since.

... and ponder a bill denying due process to those who are accused
of violating cruelty or dogfighting laws

In 2002, the Ohio Legislature approved a law that protected the constitutional rights of dog owners accused of animal cruelty or neglect, a law now jeopardized by the national spotlight placed on dog fighting. Under consideration is HB 71, a bill that was introduced to tighten the law against dog fighting but morphed into a broader bill that endangers the rights of dog owners by allowing authorities to enter private property without a court order and forces dog owners to pay for care of impounded animals before a court hearing or guilty finding.


CCKC hosts legislative program for area clubs

On March 28, 2007, CCKC presented an overview of the impact of kennel licensing on dog breeders and exhibitors to members of CCKC and other area clubs. Handouts from that program include:

"Kennel licensing bills would punish responsible breeders because we exist" (This handout prints on 8.5 x 14 legal paper)

"6 things animal rights activists liked about the Ohio kennel licensing bills"

"New Ohio law allows only veterinarians to offer alternative treatments"

"Pending Ohio bills affecting animal ownership" (updated May 27, 2007)


Other Ohio animal bills in the 2007-08 session

Representative George Distel introduced HB 45, a bill that regulates ownership of exotic animals in the state. While this bill appears to have little to do with dogs, it is typical of the efforts of activists to restrict animal ownership.

Representative Williams introduced HB 22, a bill to increase penalties for animal cruelty. If it passes, a first offense for cruelty against dogs and other household pets will be subject to punishment as a felony with a potential for 6-12 months in jail and up to $7500 in fines. (In current law, the charge is a misdemeanor with up to six months in jail for a first offense and felony penalties for a second offense. The current fine is up to $5000.)

Two bills to establish a special license plate for horse lovers are also pending. SB 37 turns the money over to an organization that "may" use it to rescue horses, and SB 79 allocates the funds to Horse Power Ohio, an educational group that supports riding for the handicapped and other nonprofit equine programs. Senator Schuler from Cincinnati introduced SB 37 and Senator Grendell from Columbus introduced SB 79.


Federal PAWS bill

The Pet Animal Welfare Statute, a federal bill introduced by Senator Santorum and supported by the American Kennel Club,
died in the 2005-06 session of Congress. Senator Richard Durbin revived some of the provisions of this bill in an amendment to the 2007 Farm Bill, but quickly deleted them in light of renewed national opposition. The Durbin amendment calls for regulations governing the import of commercially-bred dogs. For more information about dog imports, see the following articles on the National Animal Interest Alliance website:



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