Newark, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 618.15 of the Newark Code of Ordinances governs dangerous and vicious dogs in the City of Newark, Ohio, and its definitions turn on conduct, not on breed. A dangerous dog is one that, without provocation, caused injury other than killing or serious injury to a person, seriously injured another dog, or was the subject of a third or subsequent violation of Ohio R.C. 955.22(C) or an equivalent local ordinance. A vicious dog is one that, without provocation, has killed or caused serious injury to a person. A nuisance dog is one that, without provocation and off its owner's premises, chased or approached a person in a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack or tried to bite or endanger a person. Police dogs are excluded.

Division (b) sets the handling rules. On the premises, the dog must be securely confined at all times in an approved locked pen, approved locked fenced yard or other approved locked enclosure that has a top, except that a dangerous dog can instead be tied with a chain linked leash no longer than six feet. Off the premises, a dangerous dog must stay on a chain-link leash or tether of not more than six feet, and a vicious dog must be muzzled, kept in an approved locked pen or enclosure, or held on a chain linked leash no longer than six feet controlled by a competent adult. Division (c) requires a vicious dog to be microchipped with current information kept with the Animal Control Officer, and division (d) requires liability insurance of not less than $100,000.00 for a vicious dog. Division (e) bars debarking or surgically silencing a vicious dog.

The label comes from the Animal Control Officer. Under section 618.26, the officer deems a dog dangerous or vicious and gives written notice within seven business days; the owner can appeal in writing to the Mayor's designated hearing officer within seven days of the notice, the hearing is held within fourteen days of the request, and the decision, issued within seven days of the hearing, is final. Section 618.22 requires a permit from the Director of Public Safety to possess a dangerous or vicious dog, with a $30.00 fee per animal, a limit of one vicious dog per premises, and a sign reading "caution, beware of dangerous or vicious dog". Section 618.25 requires a notarized transfer of ownership certificate.