Section 955.54 | Possession of certain dogs by convicted felons prohibited.
(A) No person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony offense of violence committed on or after May 22, 2012, or a felony violation of any provision of Chapter 959., 2923., or 2925. of the Revised Code committed on or after May 22, 2012, shall knowingly own, possess, have custody of, or reside in a residence with any 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 that the person plead guilty to or was convicted of 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 or vicious dog under Chapter 955. of the Revised Code;
(3) Any dog that does not have a permanently implanted microchip that has an identification number that is unique to the microchip.
(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any person who is confined in a correctional institution of the department of rehabilitation and correction.
(2) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any person with respect to any dog that the person owned, possessed, had custody of, or resided in a residence with prior to May 22, 2012.
(C) Whoever recklessly violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Last updated January 16, 2026 at 8:34 AM
Available Versions of this Section
- May 22, 2012 – House Bill 14 - 129th General Assembly [ View May 22, 2012 Version ]
- March 20, 2026 – Amended by House Bill 247 - 136th General Assembly [ View March 20, 2026 Version ]