State Rep. Gerberry offers companion bill to Nitro's Law

COLUMBUS — Humane society agents would have to show proof they have completed requisite training to do their jobs under legislation being considered in the Ohio House.

State Rep. Ronald Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, is offering House Bill 57 in response to an incident at a Youngstown kennel five years ago where dogs were starved to death.

“Fifteen counts of animal abuse could not be prosecuted because the humane society agents entered the premises without a warrant,” Gerberry said today. “Due to the insufficient training of these agents, the abuse, neglect and starvation of the animals could not be entered into evidence.

Gerberry told the House’s State and Local Government Committee, “It is imperative that proper procedures be followed at all times so that crucial evidence can be admitted in court. This can only happen if the humane society agents know the proper procedures.”

The bill is a companion, of sorts, to separate legislation reintroduced by Gerberry this session and titled "Nitro's Law," which would allow increased criminal penalties against kennel owners who abuse or neglect animals in their care.

Nitro was one of the dogs that died from extreme neglect in 2008 at the High Caliber K-9 kennel on Coitsville Hubbard Road.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com