Cleveland Codified Ordinance Chapter 121 treats cats less strictly than dogs, but cats running at large, depositing waste on neighbors property, or creating nuisances may trigger citations under public nuisance and animal control provisions.
Unlike dogs, Cleveland does not require cats to be licensed under Chapter 121, and Ohio law generally exempts cats from running-at-large rules that apply to canines. However, Cleveland Animal Care and Control, contracted in part with the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL), responds to nuisance complaints involving cats damaging property, defecating in gardens, or congregating in feral colonies. Owners are still responsible for sick or injured cats and must not abandon them. Trap-neuter-return colonies operate informally with APL support but are not formally codified.
Nuisance citations under Ch. 121 or Ch. 605 misdemeanor sections may carry fines of $100 to $250 per occurrence, with escalating penalties for hoarding or abandonment.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland treats animal hoarding as a cruelty matter under Chapter 121 and Ohio Revised Code 959, with Animal Care and Control, the APL humane agents, and Cl...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland requires dogs to be leashed or confined. ORC §951.02 makes owners liable for dogs running at large. Dog licensing required through county auditor.
See how Cleveland's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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