Advocacy

BILLS WE ARE WATCHING

The Ohio Animal Welfare Federation will engage in public education and advocacy on legislative issues that are relevant to our mission.  This may include supporting, opposing, or simply raising awareness about legislation at the federal, state or local level so that we may advance and protect our animal welfare mission. View our complete Advocacy Policy here. In accordance with our policy, we are closely monitoring movement on the following bills pertaining to animal welfare in the State of Ohio.

STATE LEGISLATION

Proponent:

HB 277 - PET FRIENDLY RENTAL ACT (Rep. Sharon A. Ray & Rep. Juanita O. Brent): Authorizes a tax credit for landlords that allow companion animals. Click here to read Ohio Fed's proponent testimony delivered to House Ways & Means Committee on October 31, 2023. Bill passed out of the House Ways & Means Committee on June 4 and now heads to the House floor.

Watching:

HB 351 - PROHIBIT ABUSE OF A COMPANION ANIMAL CORPSE (Rep. Tom Young)

HB 379 - CREATE MICROCHIP SCANNING PROCEDURE - DEAD ANIMALS ON PUBLIC ROADS (Rep. Brian Lorenz & Rep. Sara Carruthers)

HB 443 - ALTER LAW GOVERNING REGULATION OF PET STORES (Rep. Michelle Grim & Rep. Sara Carruthers) 

HB 539 - REVISE THE LAW GOVERNING HIGH VOLUME DOG BREEDERS (Rep. Richard Brown & Rep. Casey Weinstein

SB 268 - ESTABLISH VETERINARIAN TELEHEALTH VISIT REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES (Sen. Shane Wilkin & Sen. Stephen Huffman)

View status updates on these Bills on the Ohio Legislature website.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

Support:

GREYHOUND PROTECTION ACT

The Greyhound Protection Act (H.R. 3894) that was re-introduced during this session of Congress might be added as an amendment to the Farm Bill as early as September. The expectation is that it will be a close vote in the House Agriculture Committee.

As a supporter of this this humane legislation, Ohio Fed recently sent a letter to the office of Representative Shontel Brown representing Ohio's 11th District to ask that she consider being a cosponsor and voting in favor of the Greyhound Protection Act amendment in the House Agriculture Committee.

We believe that Representative Brown’s cosponsorship and support would be very meaningful to voters who care about animals and believe they shouldn’t be exploited or harmed in the name of human entertainment and gambling.

FIGHT ACT

We also recently signed a letter of support for the FIGHT (Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking) Act, which would enhance enforcement opportunities under current dogfighting and cockfighting law. Specifically, the FIGHT Act will:

• ban simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the United States, no matter where the broadcast signals for dogfights or the cockfights originate; 
• halt the shipment of mature roosters (chickens only) shipped through the U.S. mail;
• create a citizen suit provision to allow private right of action against illegal animal fighters and ease the resource burden on federal agencies; and
• enhance forfeiture provisions to include real property used in the commission of an animal fighting crime.

RECENTLY PASSED LEGISLATION & RULES TO BE AWARE OF

SB 131- Requires acceptance of license if experienced in another state (pertains to humane society agents) - effective December 29, 2023

HB 24 - Revisions to Humane Society Law - effective March 31, 2021

HB 33 - Establish animal abuse reporting requirements - effective April 12, 2021

HB 67 - Grant vet education credits for free spay & neuter services - effective April 12, 2021

OAC Chapter 4729:5-15 - Animal Shelters - effective December 31, 2021

State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Inspection Guide: Terminal Distributor of Dangerous Drugs/Animal Shelters

TIPS FOR WRITING EFFECTIVE POLICY COMMENTS OR POSITIONS

• Open with a “thank you” for having the opportunity to provide comment.
• Identify yourself, your title, and your organization.
• Include a VERY brief description of your organization.
• Clearly state your position and what you support and/or oppose. Be respectful and professional.
• Be as concise and to the point as possible. Something short and focused is more likely to be read.
• Provide facts and references whenever possible. Alternatively, sharing a brief personal experience can be impactful.
• Include alternative recommendations, if possible.
• Wrap up with a closing statement that reiterates the action you want taken.
• End with a thank you.

OHIO HOUSE AND SENATE DISTRICT MAPS

Who represents you? Click the links below and enter your address to find your state representatives and senators.

Ohio House: https://ohiohouse.gov

Ohio Senate: https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/district-map