Lima, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed regulated
- Pit bull dogs
- Off-premises rule
- Leashed and muzzled
- Max leash length
- Six feet
- Walking limit
- One pit bull at a time
- Breeding/sale
- Prohibited in city
Summary
Lima specifically regulates pit bulls: off the owner's premises they must be securely leashed (max 6 feet) and muzzled or otherwise restrained. Only one may be walked at a time, and breeding or selling them in the city is banned.
No person who owns, harbors, keeps, or has the care, custody, or control of a pit bull dog shall permit such dog to go beyond the premises of such person unless such dog is securely leashed and muzzled or otherwise securely restrained and muzzled.
Full Breakdown
Lima Codified Ordinance 618.08 (Pit Bull Regulations) is a breed-specific law. A pit bull may not go beyond the owner's premises unless securely leashed and muzzled or otherwise securely restrained and muzzled, with any leash no longer than six feet. No person may walk or run more than one pit bull at the same time. People convicted of a felony under state or federal law may not own or keep a pit bull, and no one may possess with intent to sell, offer for sale, breed, or buy a pit bull inside the city. These city rules stack on top of Ohio's dangerous-dog confinement duties under ORC 955.22.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the pit bull rules are prosecuted under Chapter 618 penalties (618.99); repeat or dangerous-dog violations carry escalating misdemeanor charges and can lead to impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pit bull in Lima?
Can I walk two pit bulls together?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lima
How Lima compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Lima to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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