It started with a bark and ended with a bite scare thatās got folks on edge ā and lawmakers talking. A family says a neighborās dog charged at their pup and terrified their kids, leaving one child hurt. But what happened next has pet owners from both sides of the river perking up their ears.Ā
Turns out, this wasnāt just a simple case of a dog on the loose. The neighbor claimed it was an accident, and deputies issued a warning about keeping pets properly secured. But the real bite might be coming from Columbus, where House Bill 247Ā could soon shake things up for anyone with a four-legged friend.Ā
š¾ Hereās what pet owners need to know:Ā
- Under current law: If your dog bites someone, it can be quarantined at home ā as long as you follow the rules and pay the fines.Ā
- If the new bill passes: No more home quarantine. Every dog involved in a bite, even if provoked, would automatically be impounded at the county shelter for a mandatory 10-day hold.Ā
- Getting your dog back? Youāll have to go to court and ask a judge ā which adds time, stress, and expense.Ā
Thatās not just bad news for dog lovers. Itās also got officials in Scioto County scrambling.
āWeāve got 24 kennels and two quarantine kennels,ā said Dog Warden Heather Stevens. āAnd we fill them up really quick. I need more quarantine kennels for all these bite calls ā itās nuts!āĀ
š” Pet Owner Tip:
Want to stay out of the doghouse?Ā
- Double-check your fences and gates.Ā
- Donāt let dogs run loose ā even if they āusually stay close.āĀ
- If your pup has any history of aggression, invest in proper training and containment.Ā
Because under this proposed law, even one bite could mean a trip to the pound ā and possibly court.Ā
Stay tuned as Averyās Law heads for a vote⦠and keep those dogs leashed, folks. šāš¦ŗĀ