Ohio’s ‘Vicious Dog’ Liability Law in Effect

Ohio’s new “vicious dog” law became effective May 22. Under Ohio Sub. HB 14, pit bulls will no longer be considered vicious dogs solely on their breed and the law eliminates the mandatory liability insurance requirement for dog owners, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII).

Dogs deemed vicious under existing law because of actions, not breed, will still be required to maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000. The new law also clarifies what constitutes a “nuisance dog” and alters the definitions for those considered “dangerous” and “vicious,” along with general confinement requirements on and off-premises.

According to the State Farm Insurance annual dog bite claims report, Ohio ranked fourth in dog bite claims in 2011. In 2010, Ohio ranked third based on the number of claims.