Huber Ridge Area

PIT BULLS - regulations, confinement, descriptions, insurance

Taken from Franklin County Animal Control website

Blendon Township falls under the jurisdiction of Franklin County and the state of Ohio ordinances when it comes to Pit Bulls.  The following applies to Huber Ridge residents:

Pit Bull Information

Dog Fighting

We need your help to crack down on illegal dog fighting. To report someone you know who is involved with dog fighting, please call the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Special Investigations Unit. You can remain anonymous.

614-462-3318

Or call the Ohio Attorney General's Tip Line. If your information leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dog fighting or cock fighting, the Humane Society of the United States offers a reward of up to $5,000.

877-244-6446

What is a Pit Bull?

Ohio Revised Code Section 955.11 (A)(4)(a)(iii) defines a "breed of dog commonly known as a pit bull" as a vicious dog. For enforcement purposes, the term "a breed of dog commonly known as a pit bull" refers to any of the following:

1. An American Pit Bull Terrier
2. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier
3. An American Staffordshire Terrier
4. An American Bulldog
5. Any other pure bred or mixed breed dog whose appearance and physical characteristics is predominately those of any of the dogs listed above, or is a combination of any of the dogs listed above.

Confining Pit Bull Dogs
(Ohio Revised Code Section 955.22D)

Dogs that are a "breed of dog commonly known as a Pit Bull" must be confined on the owner's property by means of a locked fenced yard, a locked dog pen that has a top, or some other locked enclosure that has a top (such as a house). This law applies not only to pure bred American Pit Bull dogs, but also to other pure bred and mixed breed dogs that have similar physical and/or behavioral characteristics. Animal Control Officers make the determination as to whether or not a dog is a "breed of dog commonly known as a Pit Bull." The maximum penalty for a violation of this section on a first offense is a $1,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment. If the dog seriously injures a person, or this is a second offense of this section, the charge may be filed as a felony.

Insuring Pit Bull Dogs
(Ohio Revised Code Section 955.22E)

Owners of dogs that are a "breed of dog commonly known as a Pit Bull" must maintain at least $100,000 of liability insurance coverage on these animals. The maximum penalty for a violation of this section is a $1,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.

If you have any questions regarding these laws, please contact a Field Supervisor at the Department of Animal Control's Enforcement Division at (614)462-3400. You can obtain insurance from these two insurers:

Ohio Insurance Exchange
800-473-1215