In a wonderful move for Ohio’s animals, Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law a new bill that strengthens animal abuse reporting requirements in the state.
More than 30,000 people signed Lady Freethinker’s petition in support of this law, which we sent to the president of the Ohio Senate. Along with the dedicated actions of others, your voices were heard!
The bill, unanimously passed by the Senate with a 32-0 vote in December and signed by DeWine on Wednesday, requires veterinarians, law enforcement officers, social workers, and other front-line workers to report suspected animal abuse to authorities.
Those found guilty of failing to report could face 30 days in jail, up to a $250 fine, and possible civil penalties.
With the bill’s enactment, Ohio joins 19 other states whose law requires veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse. The legislation also protects those who make the reports from civil and criminal liability.
Animal welfare groups such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) have long recognized the importance of mandatory reporting for those on the front lines of interacting with animals.
“It is crucial that the law empower veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty when they encounter signs of abuse in their practice,” ALDF wrote in its 2019 Animal Protection Rankings report. “Not only are veterinarians often the only witnesses to animal abuse, but they are uniquely qualified to identify the signs of cruelty.”
Thank you to the Ohio legislature, and all who helped make this powerful legislation possible for the animals!
Harte Strafen für alle Tier QUÄLER…. Ohne Ausnahme.
WE LOVE YOU, LTF!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR ANIMALS! YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION TO THIS CAUSE UNFOUNDED AND ADMIRED BY SO MANY OF US! YOU INSPIRE US EVERY DAY!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
Why wouldn’t a vet do this automatically? From encouraging someone to handover their pet to calling and demanding to authorities an animal should be removed!
Bravo Ohio 👏.
About time‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
People should never hurt or kill Animals. They are here for our companions.
well done ohio wish every state could pass a law like this
They should do that to states. Some people don’t consider animals as family. They consider them as a dog or cat,not member of family.If not reported,need to be charged with a fine,also for letting it happen.
Horrible
Thank you Ohio. You made it possible for animals to feel safer and that all that want to protect them are finally able to be their voice.