Ohio Dog Law

Liability Statute

The owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable in damages for any injury, death, or personal loss caused by the dog, unless, at the time of the injury, the victim was committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner or keeper, or unless the injured person was committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against any person, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner's or keeper's property.

Dangerous Dog Statute

The meaning of a “Dangerous Dog”

A “dangerous dog” is:

• a dog that, without provocation, has chased or approached in either a menacing fashion or in an apparent attitude of attack, or has attempted to bite or otherwise endanger any person, while the dog is off the premises of its owner or keeper and not reasonably controlled by a person, or not physically restrained or confined in a locked pen which has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure with a top.

Meaning of a “Vicious Dog”

A “vicious dog” is:

• a dog that, without provocation, has killed or caused serious injury to any person;
• a dog that, without provocation, has caused injury, other than death or serious injury, to any person, or has killed another dog; or
• a pit bull.

Legal Responsibilities of Owners of Dangerous and Vicious Dogs

• Dangerous and vicious dogs must be kept in a securely confined locked pen that has a top, locked fenced yard, or other locked enclosure that has a top. Alternatively, dangerous dogs may be tied with a leash or tether, so that the dog is adequately restrained. Dangerous and vicious dogs are permitted to be unrestrained when they are lawfully engaged in hunting and accompanied by an owner, keeper, or handler.
• When a dangerous or vicious dog is off its owner’s premises, the dog must be kept on a chain-link leash or tether that is not more than 6 feet long. The leash or tether must be controlled be a person of suitable age and discretion. Otherwise, the leash or tether must be securely attached, tied, or affixed to the ground or a stationary object, so that the dog is adequately restrained to prevent it from causing injury to any person. Alternatively, the dog must be muzzled.

Legal Responsibilities of Owners of Vicious Dogs

The owner of a vicious dog must maintain a liability insurance policy providing coverage of not less than $100,000 for damages caused by the dog.

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