Summit County, OH Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered offenders
- Violent felons; ORC Ch. 959/2923/2925 felons
- Restricted dog
- Unspayed/unneutered, older than 12 weeks
- Also covers
- Any dog already ruled dangerous
- Duration
- 3 years after release
- Exemption
- Person still confined in ODRC institution
- Penalty
- Minor misdemeanor, Sec. 505.99(n)
- Adopted
- Ord. 2012-285, 8-27-12
Summary
Summit County Code Sec. 505.24(a) bars anyone convicted of a felony offense of violence, or a felony under ORC Chapters 959, 2923 or 2925, from owning, possessing, or living with an unspayed or unneutered dog older than twelve weeks for three years after release from incarceration or other sanctions. The rule also reaches any dog already ruled dangerous under the county's dog chapter.
(a) No person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony offense of violence committed on or after the effective date of this section or a felony violation of any provision of Chapters 959, 2923 or 2925 of the Ohio Revised Code committed on or after the effective date of this section shall knowingly own, possess, have custody of, or reside in a residence with either of the following for a period of three years commencing either upon the date of release of the person from any period of incarceration imposed for the offense or violation or, if the person is not incarcerated for the offense or violation, upon the date of the person's final release from the other sanctions imposed for the offense or violation: (1) An unspayed or unneutered dog older than twelve weeks of age; (2) Any dog that has been determined to be a dangerous dog under this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Summit County Codified Ordinances Chapter 505 imposes this spay/neuter mandate as part of the county's regulation of dangerous and vicious dogs. Under Sec. 24(a), a person convicted of, or who pleads guilty to, a felony offense of violence, or a felony violation of Ohio Revised Code Chapters 959 (offenses against animals), 2923 (weapons and criminal tools) or 2925 (drug offenses), may not knowingly own, possess, have custody of, or reside in a residence with an unspayed or unneutered dog older than twelve weeks of age.
The same subsection also bars that person from owning, possessing, or living with any dog already determined to be a dangerous dog under Chapter 505. The restriction runs for three years, starting either on the date the person is released from incarceration for the qualifying offense or, if the person was never incarcerated, on the date of final release from the other sanctions imposed for the offense. Sec. 24(c) exempts a person confined in an Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction institution, since that person cannot own or possess a dog while incarcerated.
The county adopted this section by Ord. 27. Enforcement runs through the Summit County Animal Warden, and Sec. 24 a minor misdemeanor, chargeable each time noncompliance is documented.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 505.24(a) is a minor misdemeanor under Sec. 505.99(n), Summit County's lowest criminal classification, but each instance the Animal Warden documents a covered felon owning or housing an unspayed, unneutered dog older than twelve weeks, or a dog already designated dangerous, can be charged separately. The Animal Warden may impound a noncompliant dog under the county's general impoundment authority in Sec. 505.51 while the case is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is subject to Summit County's mandatory spay/neuter rule for dog owners?
How long does the spay/neuter restriction last?
What happens if a covered felon is caught with an unneutered dog?
Does this rule apply to all dog owners in Summit County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Summit County
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