Ohio Senate approves increased penalties for animal cruelty

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Senate OK’d legislation Wednesday upping criminal penalties against those who seriously hurt pet dogs and cats.

HB 60 passed on a unanimous vote and awaits concurrence from the Ohio House before being forwarded to Gov. John Kasich for his signature.

Under the legislation, individuals 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.