Breed Restrictions: Heath vs Newark
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Heath, OH and Newark, OH?
Newark has fewer restrictions than Heath.
Heath, OH
Licking County
Ohio repealed automatic pit bull dangerous classification in 2012, requiring individual behavioral assessment statewide, though cities retain home rule to enact breed restrictions.
View full Heath rules →Newark, OH
Licking County
Newark repealed its breed-specific 'pit bull = vicious dog' designation in April 2016 via Ordinance 16-07A. Vicious-dog status is now based on the individual dog's behavior under §618.15, mirroring Ohio R.C. 955.11.
View full Newark rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Heath | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | ORC 955.11, 955.22 | - |
| Pit Bull Status | Not auto-vicious since 2012 | - |
| Insurance Required | $100,000 dangerous dogs | - |
| Cities Can Restrict | Yes home rule | - |
| Breed-Specific Ban | - | None (repealed 2016) |
| Repeal Ordinance | - | Ord. 16-07A |
| Vicious Standard | - | Behavior-based, §618.15 |
| Vicious Dog Cap | - | 1 per premises |
| Permit Fee | - | $30/year |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Heath FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Ohio?
Not by state law. Ohio removed automatic vicious classification in 2012. However, individual cities may enact breed-specific bans or restrictions under home rule authority.
What insurance must dangerous dog owners carry?
ORC 955.22 requires owners of designated dangerous dogs to maintain at least $100,000 in liability insurance covering bodily injury caused by the dog.
Newark FAQ
Can I own a pit bull or Rottweiler in Newark?
Yes. Newark has no breed-specific bans since 2016. A dog only becomes 'vicious' under §618.15 based on its own behavior (injury, killing, prior dangerous-dog designation).
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