Bill Seeks To Tighten Ohio’s Vicious Dog Law

Tyrone Yates, an Ohio State Representative has introduced a bill that calls for a statewide ban on the pit bull breed, according to a recent report posted on Local12.com.

The change proposed to Ohio’s current vicious dog law would ban the ownership of a pit bull and require the dog warden to collect and euthanize any canines of this breed. A history of dog bite attacks involving pit bulls including a recent unprovoked attack by a family pit bull pet that ripped into a 12-year-old boy leaving bites to his feet, back, arms and legs prompted Yates to take action. Animal rights activists counter the bill saying the problem lies with the pit bull owners who train them to be violent. Yates recognizes the moral issues inherent to destroying a breed but is driven by his duty to public safety and is determined to keep these dogs off the street. If the bill doesn’t pass this time, Yates is determined to reintroduce it next year.

While I can appreciate what the bill is trying to achieve I do question the way it attempts to get there. The solution presented by Yates is extreme and I have my doubts if this bill can become law. California dog bite law does prohibit a breed from being banned even when dealing with a high number of dog attacks and cities here are being commendably proactive in updating their dog ordinances and seeking answers through the education of dog owners.

Any dog bite attack has the potential to inflict a huge amount of long-term physical and psychological damage and I empathize with those who have suffered such attacks. Ownership of “dangerous” dog breeds comes with a responsibility that I believe should extend to every action of the animal. I fully back laws that would file criminal charges and penalize dog owners for negligence and irresponsible actions that lead to dog attacks.