Ohio has new animal-abuse law

COLUMBUS — Individuals who seriously hurt pet dogs or cats or kill police dogs or horses will face increased criminal penalties, under legislation signed into law Monday and set to take effect in about three months.

Gov. John Kasich added his signature to HB 60 and a handful of other bills during private ceremonies at the Statehouse.

Under HB 60, those who "knowingly cause serious physical harm" to companion animals would face felony charges. Under current law, such abuse is considered a misdemeanor on a first offense and a felony on subsequent violations.

The bill also tightens prohibitions in state law for kennel owners who abuse or neglect animals in their care. Resulting fines would be directed to county humane societies or law enforcement who investigate cases of neglect and abuse, to be used for training expenses.