Section 956.031 | Additional requirements for high volume breeders.
In addition to complying with rules adopted under section 956.03 of the Revised Code, a high volume breeder shall do all of the following with regard to a dog that is kept, housed, and maintained by the breeder:
(A) Unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian, provide the dog, twice each day, with food that is all of the following:
(1) Sufficient to maintain normal body condition and weight;
(2) Unspoiled and uncontaminated;
(3) Provided in accordance with a nutritional plan recommended by a veterinarian;
(4) Served in receptacles that are clean and sanitary.
A high volume breeder may temporarily withhold food when directed by a veterinarian to do so.
(B) Each day provide access to a continuous supply of potable water in clean and sanitary receptacles that is of sufficient quality and quantity to ensure maintenance of normal body condition and growth unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
(C) Keep or confine the dog in a primary enclosure that complies with all of the following:
(1) The interior of the enclosure is at least six inches higher than the head of the tallest dog housed in the enclosure when the dog is in a normal standing position.
(2) It allows each dog housed in the enclosure to turn in a complete circle, lie down, and fully extend its limbs.
(3) It is not stacked on top of another primary enclosure.
(4) It is cleaned at least once per day to remove excreta, dirt, grime, and other waste.
(D) On and after December 31, 2021, keep or confine the dog in a primary enclosure that has a minimum floor space in square inches equal to the following: (the length of the dog housed in the enclosure in inches, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, + nine inches)^2 multiplied by two. For each additional dog that is kept or confined in a primary enclosure, the enclosure shall have additional floor space in square inches equal to the following: (length of each additional dog housed in the enclosure in inches, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, + nine inches)^2.
As used in this division, "dog" means a puppy that is twelve weeks of age or older or an adult dog.
(E) On and after December 31, 2021, ensure that the minimum floor space provided in accordance with division (D) of this section is solid or consists of slats. If the floor space consists of slats, the high volume breeder shall ensure that all of the following apply:
(1) The spaces between the slats are not more than one-half inch in width.
(2) The slats are not less than three and one-half inches in width.
(3) All of the slats run in the same direction.
(4) The floor is level.
(F) On and after December 31, 2021, ensure that all flooring complies with the following:
(1) It consists of materials that can be cleaned and sanitized; are safe for the breed, size, and age of the dog; are free from protruding sharp edges; and are designed so that the paw of the dog is unable to extend through or become caught in the flooring.
(2) If the flooring surface consists of a material that is not solid, it has a solid resting area that can accommodate the full length of the dog while lying down.
(3) It does not sag, bend, or bounce.
(4) It does not consist of metal wire, unless the metal wire is coated with another material and the outer diameter of the coated metal measures six gauge or thicker.
(G) If the high volume breeder is using an indoor primary enclosure to house the dog, ensure that the enclosure is located in a facility that permits regulation of temperature, ventilation, and lighting, including diurnal lighting. The high volume breeder shall ensure that the lighting is sufficient, either through natural or artificial means, to observe the physical condition of the dog and to permit inspection and cleaning of the dog and the primary enclosure.
(H) Use an outdoor primary enclosure to house the dog only if a veterinarian approves such use;
(I) If the high volume breeder is using an outdoor primary enclosure to house the dog as provided in division (H) of this section and if climatic or ambient temperatures pose a threat to the health and welfare of the dog, take effective measures to eliminate the threat. If the high volume breeder has to take such measures, the high volume breeder shall consider the dog's age, breed, overall health, and acclimation to the environment. The high volume breeder shall not use an outdoor primary enclosure to house the dog if the dog is unable to tolerate the prevalent temperatures within the dog's thermoneutral zone.
(J) House the dog with other dogs, except for reasons of health, biosecurity, breeding, and behavioral issues.
(K) If the dog is a puppy that is four months or younger, house the dog with an adult dog only if the adult dog is the puppy's dam or foster dam;
(L) If the dog is a female, breed the dog only if the dog has maintained a normal body condition and has been declared healthy by a veterinarian following a physical examination;
(M) If the dog is a female, ensure that the dog does not produce more than eight litters in its lifetime;
(N) Provide a clean, dry whelping area for each dam and her nursing puppies. The high volume breeder shall ensure that the area fully accommodates all puppies, allows the dam to lie fully recumbent and stand, and permits the dam to temporarily move away from her puppies as she chooses. The high volume breeder shall ensure that no other animals inhabit the whelping area other than the dam and her puppies.
(O) Provide the dog an opportunity for daily exercise of at least thirty minutes. However, this requirement does not apply to an expectant female dog beginning fifty-two days after the first breeding date until the dog gives birth, postpartum female dog, or any other dog as directed by a veterinarian.
(P) Provide the dog an opportunity to safely access the outdoors during daylight hours. However, this requirement does not apply to an expectant female dog beginning fifty-two days after the first breeding date and until the dog gives birth, a female dog that is nursing, or a puppy that is younger than twelve weeks of age.
(Q) Provide the dog with daily environmental enrichment in the dog's primary enclosure;
(R) Provide human interaction with the dog for at least fifteen minutes each day in addition to interaction that occurs during feeding and cleaning time. The interaction, at a minimum, shall include verbal and tactile stimulation in a positive and beneficial manner.
(S) Provide the dog appropriate medical care by a veterinarian, including prompt treatment for any significant disease, illness, or injury;
(T) If the dog is an adult dog, provide the dog with an annual physical examination by a veterinarian;
(U) Comply with a vaccination and parasite control program that is provided by a veterinarian and that is consistent with recommendations of the American veterinarian medical association or the American animal hospital association;
(V) If a surgical or euthanasia procedure is required, use a veterinarian to perform the procedure.
Available Versions of this Section
- September 28, 2018 – Enacted by House Bill 506 - 132nd General Assembly [ View September 28, 2018 Version ]
- October 17, 2019 – Amended by House Bill 166 - 133rd General Assembly [ View October 17, 2019 Version ]