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.

SB 60 (Sen. S. Wilkin & Sen. S. Huffman) - Establish veterinarian telehealth visit requirements, procedures

SB 64 (Sen. A. Cutrona) - Increase penalties for companion animal cruelty offenses

HB 148 (Rep. S. Ray & Rep. M. Grim) - Establish tax refund designation for spaying, neutering pets

HB 241 (Rep. C. Thomas & Rep. M. Lawson-Rowe) - Required procedures - dog attack

HB 247 (Rep. K. Miller) - Revise dog law, including dangerous and vicious dogs

ENACTED LAWS & 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