Ohio has some strict leash laws for the dog and their owners. This ensures that their dog does not go out of control and harm others. If a leash owner ignores or fails to comply with the rules, they would have to face consequences accordingly. Let’s see what the Ohio state law says about it!
The Laws
Ohio has revised its leash laws, making it easier for owners and dogs to roam publicly. The laws are as follows:
Leash Should Be Less Than Six Feet Long
The law requires dog owners to put their dogs on a leash on public premises or buy one that should not be longer than six feet. If the owner is seen with a longer leash length, then they have to specify the reason behind it.
Leash On Someone Else’s Property
The dog must wear its leash when on someone else’s property, irrespective of the owner’s permission. This is to negate liability on another person’s property, to protect them from something that may go wrong.
Leash Should Be Controlled By A Person Of Suitable Age
A person of suitable age should also control the leash that the dog listens to. Handing it over to minors will lead to more damage to property and human life; therefore, be a responsible adult and appoint someone who is older and can handle the situation in case your dog goes out of control.
Owners To Be Held Accountable For Their Dog’s Behaviour
Ohio laws will hold the owners accountable for their dog’s behavior for biting people and destroying property despite being on a leash.
Leash On Private Property
If the dog is on private property, meaning your home, then the law is lenient on putting a leash unless you have evidence that the dog has a history of attacking others and running away when it can do so.
Leash on Public Property
There is no excuse for the owner to ignore the leash law, especially when they are on a public property that includes parks, sidewalks, and streets:
Must be on a leash
The dog owner should immediately tie a leash in off-leash zones to prevent potential harm. They should keep an eye on the pet when entering and exiting the park’s vicinity.
Leash-free zones
Parks have separate spots where dogs can enjoy themselves without a leash. The owners can take them there but still focus on controlling them if they get aggressive looking at other dogs.
Behavior of the dog
Whoever is the owner of the dog will be held entirely responsible for the dog’s behavior. If your dog barks constantly, glares at other dogs, tries to fight them, or makes people uncomfortable due to their size or aggressiveness, then you will be solely responsible. Because then the owner will be ultimately asked to leave the property as they failed to control their pet. Know how to properly train your dog to be less aggressive.
Clean-up
Clean-up is one crucial step to note down for the owners. The law requires the owners to maintain the cleanliness of the park after they plan to leave the premises. This rule applies in the off-leash and the normal areas of the park, too. Unknowingly, not cleaning up your dog’s waste may be harmful to our ecosystem if it ends up in our water sources, such as lakes, streams, ponds, and other local water sources.
Supervision
Not even for a moment are dog owners allowed to move from the space where their dog is sitting or playing. You will put everyone’s life at risk if your dog is aggressive; hence, supervision at all times is essential. Even one second away that you don’t watch your dog, can completely change everything, as things can happen and escalate fast.
Exceptional Cases
The leash laws are not applicable in a few situations. The exceptional cases are the hunting and law enforcement dogs. These dogs are specially trained to do their job like sniffing for narcotics so they don’t require a leash.
Dog Parks
Dog parks in Ohio serve as a place where dogs can feel safe and play at their liberty. But accidents come unannounced, and one must be prepared. Hence, as mentioned, owners should have their dogs vaccinated, under their control, and supervised.
Conclusion
Ohio leash laws are pretty strict, but it shows that they care about the safety of the dog and other individuals. Keep your dog, other people, and property safe by following the Ohio leash laws. If you don’t be aware of the potential consequences, and be ready to pay the price.
