Ohio removed breed-specific language from its dangerous-dog law in 2012, so there is no statewide pit bull ban. State law now judges dogs by individual behavior, not breed. Newark and other Licking County cities regulate dangerous dogs the same way.
For years Ohio's law singled out pit bulls, but House Bill 14 in 2012 stripped the breed-specific language out of ORC §955.11. The statute now defines a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dog entirely by conduct, such as chasing, biting, or seriously injuring a person, with no mention of breed. Ohio's home-rule doctrine still lets a city keep its own breed ordinance, but Newark, Heath, and Pataskala follow the behavior-based state framework rather than banning a breed. A specific dog can be declared dangerous or vicious after an actual incident and then be subject to leashing, muzzling, secure confinement, and liability insurance. Landlords and insurers may still set their own breed conditions by private contract, separate from any government rule.
There is no state breed ban to violate. An individual dog is restricted only through a dangerous- or vicious-dog designation based on its own behavior, which can require confinement, muzzling, and insurance, with penalties for noncompliance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Licking County, OH
Licking County requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Licking County, OH
Licking County requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Licking County, OH
No Licking County or Ohio law limits holiday lights, inflatables, or yard displays. Cities and townships rarely touch seasonal decorations, and any rule that...
Licking County, OH
Garage-sale signs are governed by each city's or township's zoning code, not by Licking County. On your own lawn a sale sign is generally fine; a sign staked...
Licking County, OH
Ohio has no statute limiting yard political signs, and Licking County has no countywide sign power over its cities. Newark regulates signs through Chapter 12...
Licking County, OH
Neither Licking County nor Newark runs a general rental-registration or rental-license program for long-term rentals, and there is no city inspection to pass...
See how Licking County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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