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

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

Key Facts

Breed bans
None statewide since 2012
Classification basis
Behavior, not breed
Governing statute
ORC 955.11
Categories
Nuisance, dangerous, vicious
Enforcer
Stark County Dog Warden

Summary

No. Ohio abolished breed-specific 'pit bull' designations in 2012. A dog is classified as nuisance, dangerous, or vicious under ORC 955.11 based on its behavior, not its breed. Stark County and Canton follow this behavior-based standard.

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

"Nuisance dog" means a dog that without provocation and while off the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer has chased or approached a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack or has attempted to bite or otherwise endanger any person.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Since House Bill 14 took effect in 2012, Ohio no longer automatically labels any breed as 'vicious.' Instead, ORC 955.11 defines a 'nuisance dog' as one that, without provocation and off its owner's premises, has chased or approached a person in a menacing fashion; a 'dangerous dog' as one that has caused non-serious injury, killed another dog, or racked up a third running-at-large violation; and a 'vicious dog' as one that has killed or seriously injured a person. The Stark County Dog Warden applies these behavior tests. Individual townships or cities could adopt stricter rules, but the state framework is breed-neutral.

Violations & Fines

Owners of designated dangerous or vicious dogs who fail to meet confinement, insurance, or registration duties face escalating misdemeanor or felony charges under ORC 955.22 and 955.99.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pit bulls legal in Stark County?
Yes. Ohio repealed its automatic pit-bull-as-vicious label in 2012. Any dog is judged on individual behavior under ORC 955.11, regardless of breed.
What makes a dog 'dangerous' in Ohio?
Under ORC 955.11, a dangerous dog is one that, without provocation, injured a person, killed another dog, or had a third running-at-large violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Stark County rules

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

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