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Franklin County, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: ORC 955.11 →

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Key Facts

Breed Ban: None - repealed 2012
Framework: Behavior-based ORC 955.11
Dangerous Insurance: 100,000 dollars required
HB 14: 2012 state preemption

City-specific rules exist: Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, and Grove City have their own breed restrictions rules that differ from Franklin County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Franklin County has no breed-specific legislation. Ohio repealed statewide pit-bull targeting in 2012 (HB 14), replacing it with a behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog framework under ORC 955.11. Individual dogs are designated after incidents, not by breed.

Full Breakdown

Under ORC 955.11 as amended, a dog is classified as nuisance, dangerous, or vicious based on specific behaviors such as chasing, biting, or causing serious injury. Owners of dogs designated dangerous must carry 100,000 dollars liability insurance, confine in a locked pen, use a muzzle and leash off-property, and post warning signs. Columbus and some municipalities previously had BSL but all breed-specific provisions were struck down after the state preemption.

Violations & Fines

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any dog breeds banned in Franklin County?

Ohio removed statewide breed-specific language in 2012 (HB 14). However, home-rule cities may still enact local breed restrictions. Check Franklin County code.

Are there pit bull restrictions in Franklin County?

State Law: Behavior-based (ORC §955.11). 2012 Amendment: Removed breed targeting. Local BSL: Possible (home rule). Check: Franklin County municipal code.

How does Franklin County compare?

See how Franklin County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.

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Franklin County, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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