Animal Protection: New Ohio Law Will Shield Pets From Abuse

Ohio Joins 29 Other States to Protect the Family Pet Against Domestic Animal Abuse with New Protection Order

animal pet protection On June 28, 2014, we published an article about S.B 177, an Ohio Bill that was introduced in August 2013 that would amend domestic protection order laws to allow your furry friend to be included.  The legislation became a reality when Governor Kasich signed it into law on Friday, December 19, 2014.

The ASPCA had urged Governor Kasich to quickly sign this bill into law to address this pervasive problem and protect Ohio families and their pets. “Too often, victims will not flee an abusive situation if they have to leave a pet behind, unprotected,” said Vicki Deisner, Midwest Legislative Director for the ASPCA. “No one should have to make the impossible choice between escaping an abusive situation and ensuring their pet’s safety.”

The court may now include within the scope of a protection order issued under this section any companion animal that is in the complainant’s or alleged victim’s residence and may issue additional orders as it considers appropriate for the protection of the companion animal, including any listed in division (D)(1) of this section.

This new added language grants courts … Read More... “Animal Protection: New Ohio Law Will Shield Pets From Abuse”

Pet Custody in Ohio

Who Retains Custody Of The Family Pet In A Divorce?

petMany people consider their pets an integral part of their family. When two people divorce, the fight over the family pet can often turn into a bitter battle.  In response to these feelings towards pets, a growing number of states have enacted statutes providing for the custody of the family pet.

Traditionally, courts have treated pets as a form of a chattel. The Ohio Revised Code § 955.03 follows the traditional view stating that a dog “shall be considered as personal property”. This treatment as personal property results in the “custody” of the household pets to be determined during the division of marital property. If the parties to a divorce are unable to agree as to who will retain ownership of the pet, the court is likely to determine who the pet goes to just like any other item of personal property. Many people have found this treatment of pets to be cold. Notwithstanding the fact that pets are treated as personal property, a court has wide discretion when making a division of marital property. A court may consider a number of factors such as who paid for the … Read More... “Pet Custody in Ohio”