Ohio Companion Animal Cruelty Statute Applies Statewide

ORC 959.131 prohibits cruelty against companion animals including dogs, cats, and any animals kept inside a residential dwelling. Hoarding situations typically violate this statute through failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. First-offense neglect is a second-degree misdemeanor; cruelty involving torture or serious harm is a fifth-degree felony. ORC 959.99 sets penalties uniformly statewide. ORC 1717.13 authorizes humane society agents to investigate and seize animals. While cities may add specific numerical limits on pet ownership, the cruelty and neglect framework applies universally and cannot be relaxed locally.

Neglect is a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 90 days, $750); cruelty is a fifth-degree felony with up to 12 months prison and $2,500 fine, plus mandatory animal forfeiture.