Marion, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Marion Codified Ordinances § 618.16(C), (D), (J)
- Breed named
- Pit bull dog, the only breed the section names
- Legal effect
- Ownership is prima-facie evidence of owning a vicious dog
- Insurance
- Liability coverage of not less than $100,000 per occurrence
- Off-premises control
- Chain-link leash or tether of not more than six feet
- Penalty
- First-degree misdemeanor: up to six months and $1,000
Summary
In the City of Marion, Ohio, § 618.16(J)(4)(a)(iii) defines a vicious dog to include a dog that belongs to a breed commonly known as a pit bull dog, and owning one is prima-facie evidence of owning a vicious dog. Owners must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and violations are first-degree misdemeanors.
(D) No owner, keeper, or harborer of a vicious dog shall fail to obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than one hundred thousand dollars because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the vicious dog. ... (4) (a) "Vicious dog" means a dog that, without provocation and subject to division (J)(4)(b) of this section, meets any of the following: ... (iii) Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. The ownership, keeping, or harboring of such a breed of dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a vicious dog. ... (M) Whoever violates any of the following sections: C, D, E or subsections of anyone thereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Full Breakdown
Section 618.16 of the Marion Codified Ordinances names one breed. Division (J)(4)(a) defines a vicious dog as a dog that, without provocation, has killed or caused serious injury to any person, has caused other injury to a person or killed another dog, or belongs to a breed commonly known as a pit bull dog. For that breed, the ownership, keeping or harboring of the dog is prima-facie evidence of ownership of a vicious dog. A police dog and a dog that injured a person committing a trespass or other criminal offense on the owner's property are excluded from the definition. A separate dangerous dog definition covers a dog that, without provocation, chased or approached a person in a menacing fashion or attempted to bite while off its owner's premises and not under control.
The owner of a vicious dog must obtain liability insurance from an insurer authorized in the state, with coverage of not less than one hundred thousand dollars per occurrence for damage, bodily injury or death of a person (division (D)). Division (C) requires securing a dangerous or vicious dog in a locked pen with a top, locked fenced yard or other locked enclosure with a top while on the premises. Off the premises, the dog stays on a chain-link leash or tether not more than six feet long, with a locked enclosure, a controlling person of suitable age and discretion, or a muzzle. Division (E) bars debarking or surgically silencing a vicious dog.
Division (H) lets an animal warden, police officer or other authorized person impound an animal that bit or attacked a person without sufficient provocation. If the owner does not pay the impound cost and arrange care and control within ten days, the animal can be destroyed. The Municipal Court can order a vicious animal permanently removed from the municipality or destroyed. Division (K) requires a seller who knows a dog is dangerous or vicious to give a written form to the buyer, the board of health and the county dog warden within ten days of the transfer.
Violations & Fines
Under § 618.16(M), violating division (C), (D) or (E) is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable under § 698.02 by not more than six months in jail and a fine of not more than $1,000. Violating division (A), (B), (H), (K) or (L) is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree: not more than 30 days and $250. Orders on the care and control of an impounded animal are appealable under R.C. Chapter 2506.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in the City of Marion, Ohio?
What insurance does an owner of a vicious dog need?
How must a vicious or dangerous dog be kept on my property?
Can the city take or destroy a dog that bit someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion
How Marion compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Marion to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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