Commission favors Toledo's ordinance on vicious dogs (Clark County, OH)

[Rene Allegrini]

The Supreme Court upheld the "constitutional authority" to exercise police powers? This is scary. Are we still in America?

Commission favors Toledo's ordinance on vicious dogs
By Bridgette Outten

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

SPRINGFIELD — Clark County commissioners would like the city to adopt Toledo's vicious dog ordinance to regulate ownership of vicious dogs.

Following the Clark County Humane Society's compilation of available vicious dog ordinances in Ohio on Tuesday, Feb. 26, county officials recommended that the city adopt an ordinance similar to Toledo's.

"I am comfortable suggesting Toledo's (ordinance) because it was upheld by the state supreme court," said Commissioner David Hartley, who requested the compilation from the county's Humane Society.

The Supreme Court upheld Toledo's vicious-dog ordinance, reversing an Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals decision that the ordinance was unconstitutional.

Toledo's ordinance states that "no person, organization or corporation shall own, keep, harbor or provide sustenance for more than one vicious dog," as defined in the Ohio Revised Code.

The supreme court ruled that Toledo has the constitutional authority to exercise police powers that are rationally related to a legitimate interest in public health, according to the court's decision.

Tuesday's discussion was not an action item and commissioners could only make a recommendation on the issue. Hartley said he will speak to city officials about the ordinance.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.

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