Section 1402.01 Prohibitions Concerning Companion Animals

A. In addition to the prohibitions concerning companion animals enumerated in Section 959.131(D) of the Ohio Revised Code, no person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall negligently leave the companion animal unattended in a motor vehicle for more than ten minutes where the ambient temperature outside is above 70-degrees Fahrenheit or below 30-degrees Fahrenheit or where sickness or suffering to the companion animal could be expected to reasonably result. This Section does not apply to a companion animal left unattended in an enclosed portion of a motor vehicle wherein appropriate interior temperature controls are in actual use.

B. If an offender violates paragraph (A) of this Section, they shall be guilty of one of the following:

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the offender who violates paragraph (A) of this Section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
2. If the offender previously has been convicted of an offense under this section or of any offense involving neglect or physical abuse of a companion animal, the offender who violates paragraph (A) of this Section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
3. If the violation of paragraph (A) of this Section results in Serious physical harm to the companion animal involved, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
4. If the offender commits an offense under this section with respect to multiple companion animals, each companion animal shall be considered separate victims for purposes of merger.

C. Immunity from liability for damage resulting from forcible entry of a motor vehicle for purpose of removing an animal.

1. A person shall be immune from civil liability for any damage resulting from the forcible entry of a motor vehicle for the purpose of removing an animal from the vehicle as provided by, and subject to the conditions of Ohio Revised Code Section 959.133.

(Ordinance No. O2026-0002, Enacted 7/7/2026, Effective 8/8/2026)