Ohio dog-rescue groups not registering as required

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Department of Agriculture says dog-rescue operations that aren’t registered with the state under new regulations could face fines if they refuse to comply.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports Ohio is believed to have hundreds of dog-rescue operations, but only a fraction have registered. The registration requirement was among regulations in effect starting this year to help crack down on puppy mills.

Martha Leary of Star-Mar Rescue in Wooster helped write the language of the law. She says the state has sent known rescue organizations hundreds of letters about compliance. Leary says some groups don’t think the law applies to them, and others fear possible inspections.

Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Erica Hawkins says the lag in compliance isn’t uncommon when such regulation is starting from scratch.