Ohio bill would increase penalties on owners who leave their pets out in severe weather
COLUMBUS — Pet owners who leave their animals tied outside during severe weather or for more than six hours a day could face criminal charges, under legislation being considered in the Ohio House.
HB 94 was offered by Rep. John Barnes Jr., D-Cleveland, as a means to draw attention to the mistreatment of animals and to increase respect for pets.
“Simply put, the bill will provide protection and provide some responsibilities,” he told the Ohio House’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, where the bill had a first hearing today. “Dogs bring comfort, love, joy, companionship to [their] owners, but so, too, those owners have a responsibility to those pets. That’s what this discussion is about.”