Vicious Dog Law Information
In order to protect the public safety and the general welfare of residents, the Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution that regulates ownership of dogs generally deemed to be vicious by the Ohio Revised Code. Resolution No. 72-2007 declares that "vicious dogs" located in Springfield Township must be leashed, confined, insured and registered.
"Vicious dog" means a dog that, without provocation, meets any of the following:
Has killed or caused serious injury to any person;
Has caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person, or has killed another dog or domestic animal; and/or
Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog or pit bull terrier.
Once a dog has been determined to be vicious, its owner must comply with the specific leashing, confinement and insurance requirements. In addition, the owner must register his/her dog annually. Anyone who fails to comply with the leashing, confinement and insurance requirements of the Resolution are guilty of a Misdemeanor of the 3rd degree on the first offense and a Misdemeanor of the 1st degree on the second and subsequent offenses. Persons who fail to comply with the registration requirements may be issued civil citations and fined $100 for the first offense and $200 for the second and subsequent offenses. In addition, anyone found to violate the leashing, confinement, insurance and/or registration requirements may have their dogs destroyed or permanently removed from Springfield Township.
Veterinarians and kennels are exceptions to the Vicious Dog Rules so long as the vicious dog will not be under care or supervision more than 14 days.
Complete copies of the Vicious Dog Resolutions may be obtained or viewed at the Office of the Fiscal Officer in the Township Administration Building. All questions regarding the Vicious Dog Resolution should be directed to the Police Department at 729-1300.