Cruelty to animals is illegal in Ohio, as it is across the country. The law in Ohio is comprehensive and detailed, covering many different forms of mistreatment. Some of the legal provisions are specific to certain types of animals (including carrier pigeons, horses, and livestock), while others cover all animals. Below, we’ve summarized the most important laws that pet owners and animal lovers should know about.
What Is Considered Animal Cruelty in Ohio?
Ohio’s animal cruelty laws prohibit deliberate and negligent acts or omissions that cause unnecessary pain and suffering to companion animals.
Cruelty to Pets and Companion Animals
It’s a crime in Ohio to abuse or neglect pets—cats, dogs, and other animals kept in a person’s home—in a variety of ways, including:
- torturing, needless mutilation or killing, poisoning, or any other act of cruelty
- not giving a pet the food and water it needs
- confining a pet without supplying it with enough good food and water, as well as shelter from the elements, and
- deliberately doing anything that causes serious physical harm (including suffering from prolonged pain).
Exceptions to Animal Cruelty Laws
Certain practices are exempt from this law, including the use of pets in scientific research (if it’s performed under relevant regulations) and the use of common training devices under accepted practices.
(Ohio Rev. Code §§ 959.131, 959.99 (2025).)
Is Animal Cruelty a Felony in Ohio?
Violations of the statute may be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of abuse, whether it was intentional, reckless, or resulted from negligence, and whether the person had previous convictions for the same crime. For any conviction, the court may prohibit the person from owning or caring for any pets for any length of time.
Punishments for Animal Cruelty
A first violation is either a first- or second-degree misdemeanor and carries penalties of 90 to 180 days in jail, plus fines. Subsequent violations are fifth-degree felonies, which can mean prison time.
Goddard's Law: Felony If Pet Suffers Serious Harm
Goddard’s Law (passed in 2016), however, made it a felony even for a first offense if the animal suffered serious physical harm. These felony offenses are punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine. The law classifies a violation as a violent offense.
(Ohio Rev. Code §§ 959.131, 959.99, 2901.01 (2025).)
Is Dogfighting Illegal in Ohio?
It’s a felony in Ohio to participate in dogfighting in any way, including watching an organized fight. A person convicted of a first offense faces a fourth-degree felony and subsequent offenses are third-degree felonies. These felony offenses carry penalties of up to three years in prison, plus fines up to $10,000.
(Ohio Rev. Code §§ 959.15, 959.99 (2025).)
Can Ohio Authorities Seize Mistreated Pets?
Yes, the authorities (including humane societies) can seize a pet immediately if they reasonably believe the pet is abused or mistreated. The same procedures apply when it's believed a dog is being trained or used for fights.
After the authorities seize the pet, they will give notice and start proceedings against the owner to pay for the costs of impounding and caring for the pet. If the person is convicted, the judge may issue an order that permanently terminates the person’s ownership and custody of the pet.
(Ohio Rev. Code § 959.132 (2025).)
Is It Illegal to Leave a Pet in a Vehicle?
It’s dangerous to leave pets in a vehicle when it’s hot or warm outside. Outside temperatures as low as 70 degrees can quickly rise to 100 or more degrees inside a vehicle, even with the windows cracked open. While Ohio doesn’t have a law that specifically prohibits leaving pets in vehicles, its animal cruelty laws make it a crime to deliberately or negligently cause a pet to needlessly suffer. Depending on the harm caused, a person could be guilty of a felony.
Ohio Allows Bystanders to Rescue Neglected Pets and Pets in Distress
Ohio is one of a handful of states that allow bystanders to break into locked cars in order to rescue pets in distress. The rescuers will be protected from civil lawsuits for damage to the cars if they:
- sincerely and reasonably believe that the animals are in immediate danger and that there’s no other way to rescue them without breaking into the vehicle
- at least try to call 911 or contact other authorities before taking any action (or immediately contact authorities if that wasn’t possible before breaking in)
- use the minimum amount of force needed to break in and remove the animals
- put a note on the windshield with an explanation and contact information, and
- stay with the animals in a safe place nearby until law enforcement or emergency responders arrive.
The state also allows anyone to take possession of someone else’s pet to protect it from neglect. If an animal is confined without enough food, water, or attention for more than 15 hours, a concerned citizen may enter the property to remove the animal or give it food and water. Rescuers must immediately notify the owners about their actions or try to find them if they don’t know who they are.
(Ohio Rev. Code §§ 959.133, 1717.13 (2025).)
How to Report Animal Abuse in Ohio
If you see or hear an animal that appears to be abused, mistreated, or neglected, contact your local animal control agency, law enforcement, or the humane society. Ohio gives its humane societies special authority. Their members, officer, or agents may use force to prevent or stop animal cruelty from happening in their presence. They may also require law enforcement officers to take possession of an animal that’s a victim of cruelty. And humane society agents may arrest and prosecute someone for animal cruelty.
You can find your local humane society on the internet by searching for your city or county and “humane society.” The Ohio SPCA also takes animal cruelty reports and assists local law enforcement and humane societies with investigations and rescues.
(Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1717.06, 1717.08, 1717.09 (2025).)
Speaking With a Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of animal cruelty—or you’re worried about possible charges—it’s a good idea to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney experienced in this area should be able to explain:
- details on relevant state laws
- how local authorities tend to interpret those laws
- ordinances in your local community that may apply to your situation
- how you might recover your pet if authorities have already taken it, and
- any defense you might have to criminal charges.