Fairborn, OH asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio

Q: Can I go to jail in Ohio for a violation of ORC 955.21 and 955.22?

ORC 955.21 is having a dog with no license. 955.22 is because the dog was loose and caught by animal control. As I read these, a first offense for these is limited to a $100 fine, but at arraignment the judge said up to 30 days in jail.

We had been trying to find a new home for the dog, and surrendered it to animal control, but I feel like they don't like this and are trying to play "hardball".

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1 Lawyer Answer
Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Worthington, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: Yep, see ORC § 955.99 (E)(1), "Whoever violates section 955.21 of the Revised Code, violates division (B) of section 955.22 of the Revised Code, or commits a violation of division (C) of section 955.22 of the Revised Code that involves a dog that is not a nuisance dog, dangerous dog, or vicious dog shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars or more than one hundred dollars on a first offense, and on each subsequent offense shall be fined not less than seventy-five dollars or more than two hundred fifty dollars and may be imprisoned for not more than thirty days."

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