Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lorain County

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

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

Key Facts

Breed ban
None statewide or county
Classification basis
Behavior, not breed
Definition
ORC 955.01
Breed law repealed
2012, House Bill 14
Designation trigger
Dangerous or vicious dog act

Summary

Ohio has no breed-specific ban. Since 2012, pit bulls and other breeds are no longer automatically labeled vicious. A dog is classified 'dangerous' or 'vicious' only by its behavior, so no Lorain County breed is banned by name.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Dangerous dog" means a dog that has been designated as such in accordance with section 955.23 of the Revised Code or a dog that has previously engaged in a dangerous dog act when evidence of such engagement is presented to a court and the court determines that the dog has engaged in a previous dangerous dog act.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ohio repealed its breed-specific 'pit bull' designation in 2012 (HB 14). Under ORC 955.01, a 'dangerous dog' or 'vicious dog' is defined by conduct, not breed, and is designated after a dangerous or vicious dog act (biting, causing injury, or killing). Once designated, the owner faces strict confinement, liability-insurance, and leashing duties. Individual Lorain County cities cannot re-impose a breed ban that conflicts with state law, though landlords and insurers may set their own breed policies. Check your city's dangerous-dog ordinance for local registration steps, but no breed is prohibited by name.

Violations & Fines

Failing to control a designated dangerous or vicious dog is a misdemeanor or felony under ORC 955.22, with mandatory confinement and possible destruction orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pit bulls legal in Lorain County?
Yes. Ohio removed the automatic 'vicious' label for pit bulls in 2012. Any dog is regulated only after a court or dog warden designates it dangerous or vicious by behavior.
Can my landlord or insurer still restrict breeds?
Yes. Private leases and homeowner insurance policies may limit breeds even though state and local law do not ban any breed by name.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lorain County rules

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

Get notified when Breed Restrictions in Lorain County, OH changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.