Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 108, which is also referred to as “Nitro’s Law.”
House Bill 108 defines animal cruelty as a felony-level offense, bringing the State of Ohio in line with the vast majority of other states. Specifically, the bill makes each occurrence of abuse by an animal’s custodian or caregiver a fifth-degree felony, which can be accompanied by up to 12 months in prison per offense.
“I’m pleased that members from both sides of the aisle have come together in support of House Bill 108,” Speaker Batchelder said. “We have taken a major step toward rectifying a major shortcoming in Ohio’s penal system. The passage of this legislation today sends a message that animal cruelty and neglect will not be tolerated in this state.”
This issue arose after a Youngstown kennel owner allowed eight of the 19 dogs that were entrusted in his care to starve to death in 2008. However, according to current Ohio law, individuals charged with animal cruelty can only be charged with a misdemeanor, and the kennel owner—Steven Croley—only served four months in prison before being released.
“The horrific tragedy that happened in Youngstown has really brought the issue of animal cruelty to light in Ohio,” said Speaker Batchelder. “It has compelled us to take a closer look at whether we are adequately punishing those who abuse innocent animals and may hopefully help to prevent a similar situation from happening in the future.”
House Bill 108 passed by a vote of 82-11 and will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
17 comments:
Thank-you and God Bless You!!!! Please continue to support all of our animals! They are precious to all of us!
Thank you for your help in getting Nitro's Bill
passed in the House. This is a start and another bill needs to be passed for all animals who are abused at the hands of uncaring people, puppy mills, people and yes even children who learn from their parents and others. Thank you again from all the abused animals that suffer and die needlessly by human beings. These are all God's creatures and they deserve a better life. Ohio Representatives should be commended for passing this bill. It is a step in the right direction for the State of Ohio and begins to make your state a kinder state for the people of you state. Thank you again
Nancy Jordan
After many calls from supporters all over Ohio and the US, Ohio representatives finally decided to listen to their constituents. Thanks for doing the right thing after more than 3 years.
Wooo about time we make a step in the right direction for the state of ohio!
I would like to thank the Speaker for hearing our plea and bringing HB108 Nitro's Law to the floor for a vote. I would also like to thank the 78 who voted in favor of the bill. For those 9 who voted against I hope your job with the State of Ohio is short lived.
Let's pray the Senate will also hear the voice of the people and pass this bill. It is long overdue and the right thing to do!
Thank you Willaim Batchelder for bringing HB 108 (Nitro's Law) to the floor for a vote, and a huge THANK YOU to all the representatives who voted for HB 108!!!!!!
Finally..... thank you!!!!!!!We need to treat our companion animals w/love and respect and not to have them starved and abused. Maybe we can save some human lives by catching and punishing people early!! THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!
Thank you, Speaker Batchelder! It is refreshing to learn that our voices are finally getting heard. Thank you for listening, and thank you for your hard work in passing this bill.
Sharon B.
I would like to thank you and the 78 yes votes for HB108 Nitro's Law. Animal abusers have the psychopathology to commit heinous crimes against humans. Animal abusers are 5X more likely to harm humans.
80% abuse children
48% are rapists
46% are murderers
36% are wife beaters
I would like to see felony animal abuse law to include all animal abusers who knowingly commit heinous crimes.
I would like to thank William Barchelder for his support and help getting Nitro's Law passed. Supporters of Nitro from all over the world are very relieved, happy and grateful for your hard work.
Thank you for bringing Nitro's Law HB108 to the floor for vote!!!
Thank you Speaker Batcheldor! this is a very important bill for Ohio! it's a huge step in the right direction for the companion animals of Ohio and the people who love them. Companion Animals are family members to many Ohioans. Thanks Ohio House of Representatives for working together from both sides of the aisle. Thank you for listening to Ohioans!
Thank you so much for helping bring this issue to the forefront of our state.
Dawn H.
Thank you Speaker Batchelder for your support of Nitro's law! It's time was past due. Our animals deserve our care and respect. It brings Ohio into the 21st century. I would like to thank all who voted for HB108 as well and hope that the jobs of those that voted against is short lived.
I would like to thank everyone involved in getting Nitro's Law passed in the House. I would like to thank the 78 who voted in favor of Nitro's Bill and for the 9 who voted against it I pray to God that you never have this happen to a pet you love.
For the 9 who voted against Nitro's Law-Most serial killers abuse and torture animals prior to killing human beings. Don't you want to stop these monsters before they kill your wife, daughter, son, mother, father, grandmother, grandfather or any other member of YOUR family? or don't you care? Thank you to the 78 who voted FOR NITRO'S LAW. You have enough courage to stand up for what is right!!!
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