Fischer Announces Legislation to Strengthen Animal Cruelty Law

COLUMBUS— Representative Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) is working to hold people who are found guilty of animal cruelty more accountable.

The new legislation would strengthen the definition of “animal cruelty,” eliminating the discrepancies in the legal process. 

The legislation states no person shall cause harm to a companion animal, defined as “any animal that is kept inside a residential dwelling and any dog or cat regardless of where it is kept, including a pet store.”

Current law has allowed a defendant to appeal his guilty verdict for pouring bleach on a stray kitten. The defendant successfully argued the animal was not being “kept.” The Ohio Supreme Court is still reviewing the case and could reinstate the defendant’s conviction, but cited the lack of clarity in the legal language as an issue.

“Abusing innocent animals is abhorrent behavior,” Fischer said. “By closing this loophole and clarifying the language in the law, we can assure this type of cruel act will face appropriate consequences and hopefully deter this type of abuse.”

The legislation awaits a bill number and House committee assignment.