Ohio: Statewide Pit Bull Ban Introduced in House
OH HB 568—Statewide Pit Bull Ban
Sponsor: Rep. Tyrone Yates
ASPCA Position: Oppose
Action Needed: Please call your representative in Ohio’s House to voice your opposition to this bill. Please also call House leadership.
Ohio State Representative Tyrone Yates (D-Cincinnati) has introduced HB 568, legislation to ban pit bulls throughout the state. HB 568 would require pit bull owners to forfeit their dogs to the dog warden for destruction. The bill would also authorize law enforcement to confiscate and kill any dog whom they suspect is a pit bull.
While HB 568 has not yet been referred to a committee, we anticipate referral to the House State Government and Elections Committee.
Dangerous dogs are the product of reckless ownership practices (e.g., chaining, isolation, cruelty, failure to spay/neuter), not breed. Further, there is substantial evidence that well-enforced, breed-neutral laws keep communities safe, and no evidence that breed-specific laws are effective. If enacted, HB 568 would succeed only in removing beloved pets—members of families—from their homes.
What You Can Do
(1) Please call your state representative to urge opposition to HB 568. Look up your representative and his or her phone number here, and make sure you click on the link that says “Ohio Officials.”
(2) Please also call Rep. David Daniels, chair of the House State Government and Elections Committee, and House leadership to urge that HB 568 not receive a committee hearing.
When you call, please thank your representative, Rep. Daniels and House leadership for listening to your views.
Thank you for supporting the ASPCA and caring about animals.
