By Erin Lawson, Operations Director
After summer recess, Ohio’s legislative session is back, and there are two bills that OAA has been monitoring closely that would improve the lives of animals across the state. Read on for updates on Senate Bill 393 and House Bill 664, and for ways to show your support for animal rights in Ohio.
Senate Bill 393: Raising Bestiality to a Felony Offense
S.B. 393 passed unanimously through the Senate this year, but has yet to become a law. Currently, sexual conduct with an animal is considered a misdemeanor offense in Ohio, and this bill would increase the penalty to a felony. Multiple instances of bestiality have occurred in Ohio just this past summer, showing that this is real problem that must be addressed to protect the lives of animals.
Ashland County: A Loudonville dog breeder is facing additional charges beyond for which he was originally arrested; these charges allege that he knowingly possessed an animal with the intent that it be subjected to sexual conduct.
Warren County: A woman pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual conduct with an animal in a case that also involved serious allegations of child abuse.
Logan County: A man was arrested and charged with sexual conduct with an animal after police were called to the residence.
While the bill passed the Ohio Senate this summer, there is still work to be done before it becomes law. Take action today and tell your legislators to support this bill and that Ohio animals deserve stronger protections!
House Bill 664: Increasing Access to Life-Saving Veterinary Care
The second bill that OAA has been tracking is H.B. 664, which, in its original form, would increase accessibility to needed, life-saving veterinary care. It would allow Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) to provide routine vaccinations and preventative care under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This would give underserved communities experiencing veterinary shortages access to preventative care, and it would free veterinarians to work on more medically-complex cases. Access to care is another real problem in Ohio, and this change would improve it across the board.
The bill passed out of the Ohio House in June, the language was changed so that it only applies to care of dogs and cats in animal shelters. House Bill 664 should help protect all dogs and cats, in shelters or in homes, from preventable yet potentially fatal diseases and illnesses.
There is still time to urge your Senator to restore the originally proposed language before this bill becomes law. Take action today!
Join the Advocacy Movement
1. Complete our action alerts for both bills mentioned:
2. OAA is looking for folks all across the state to join our Grassroots Advocacy movement to help protect all animals. Whether you have a little extra time or a lot, there’s ways for you to get involved and make a difference. No experience is needed. We’ll teach you everything you need to know along the way.
3. Share this progress and action alerts with friends and family!
4. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.
