Nitro-like bill requires training for humane-society agents

June 27, 2013 at 12:02a.m.

COLUMBUS

Additional legislation prompted by the deaths of dogs at a Youngstown kennel passed the Ohio House on Wednesday.

House Bill 57 would require humane-society agents to complete at least 20 hours of training and provide proof they completed the coursework.

The legislation passed on a unanimous vote of 98-0 and heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

The legislation is a companion, of sorts, to a separate bill offered by state Rep. Ronald Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, and titled “Nitro’s Law,” which would allow increased criminal penalties against kennel owners who purposely abuse or neglect animals in their care. Language on that issue was added to the biennial budget bill earlier this week.

HB 57 would require county humane-society agents to complete training on Ohio Peace Officer Commission rules for “the investigation and prosecution of cruelty to and neglect of animals,” according to an analysis by the state’s Legislative Service Commission.

Proof of the training would have to be filed with county recorder offices. Those who fail to complete training and file appropriate documentation could lose their jobs.

Gerberry cited the case of Nitro and other dogs that died in 2008 at the High Caliber K-9 kennel. Humane agents entered the business without a warrant, and only four of 19 counts of animal abuse were allowed as a result.

“House Bill 57 will ensure that vital evidence against those who abuse animals can be used in court and will hopefully deter abusers in the future,” House Speaker Bill Batchelder of Medina, R-69th, who supported the legislation, said in a released statement.