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

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

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None - repealed 2012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

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 Ohio repealed statewide pit-bull targeting in 2012 (HB 14), replacing it with a behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog framework under ORC 955.11.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.

City-specific rules exist: Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, 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.

Section 955.11 | Transfer of ownership.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, prior to the transfer of ownership or possession of a dog, upon the buyer's or other transferee's request, the seller or other transferor of the dog shall give to the person a written notice relative to the behavior and propensities of the dog.

(C) Within ten days after the transfer of ownership or possession of any dog, if the seller or other transferor of the dog has knowledge that the dog is a dangerous dog or vicious dog, the seller or other transferor shall give to the buyer or other transferee, the board of health for the district in which the buyer or other transferee resides, and the dog warden of the county in which the buyer or other transferee resides, a completed copy of a written form on which the seller shall furnish the following information:

(1) The name and address of the buyer or other transferee of the dog;

(2) The age, sex, color, breed, and current registration number of the dog. In addition, the seller shall answer the following questions, which shall be specifically stated on the form as follows: "Has the dog ever chased or attempted to attack or bite a person? If yes, describe the incident(s) in which the behavior occurred." "Has the dog ever bitten a person? If yes, describe the incident(s) in which the behavior occurred." "Has the dog ever seriously injured or killed a person? If yes, describe the incident(s) in which the behavior occurred." "Has the dog previously been designated a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dog? If yes, indicate the designation that was assigned, the date of designation, and in which county or city the designation was made." The seller or other transferor shall obtain the signature of the buyer or other transferee after a statement on the form that the buyer or other transferee understands that such person is acquiring a dangerous or vicious dog.

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.

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.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

All Franklin County rules

How Franklin County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview

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Breed Restrictions in Cities Across Franklin County