When does owning dogs, cats become hoarding in Ohio? Here’s what the law says
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If you are a fellow pet lover and have a furry friend (or two or three), you know how nice it is to come home to their wagging tail or fluffy fur.
So much so that you want to spoil them with treats, snuggles and bring even more playful pups or cute kittens home.
But when is having too many pets against the law? Surely there’s not a law about that, right? Well, let’s see what Ohio law says.
Is there a legal limit of how many dogs or cats you can have in your Ohio home?
Not really, or at least there’s no Ohio state law regarding pet limitations. But there are city and county ordinances that have certain rules.
For example, in Canton, Ohio, residents must have a permit for having over a certain amount of pets. Here’s what the ordinance says:
“A person desiring to possess, keep, or harbor more than five dogs or cats over four months of age, in any combination, in an area zoned as business or industrial, must first obtain a permit from the City,” as stated in Canton, Ohio’s Code of Ordinances.
Under the ordinance, permits must be filed annually and cost $20. The pet owners must also prove that their home is fit to host the animals, with proper water, electric and cleanliness.
Moreover, in Cleveland, Ohio, residents are not allowed to have more than “two dogs or cats, or a combination of one each,” in a home. Violations result in a minor misdemeanor.
Similarly, in Grove City, Ohio, people are not allowed more than “three dogs or three cats; more than one dog and two cats; more than two dogs and one cat,” with violations resulting in a minor misdemeanor.
Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
