Governor Kasich signs dangerous dog bill into law, ends 'vicious' pit bull label

CLEVELAND - For years, Ohio has been the only state to classify a dog as "vicious" by breed and appearance. Not anymore. Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 14 into law on Tuesday. It means pit bulls will no longer be labeled as "vicious" dogs in the state.

The dangerous dog law will improve the ability of dog wardens and law enforcement officers to protect the public from all dangerous dogs, regardless of their breed. It ends the senseless punishment of good dog owners and good dogs for acts they haven't committed.

The new law will not counteract breed-specific legislation that local communities have in place, their own restrictions or bans.

In 2011, Cleveland and Toledo led the charge by ending their own "ineffective and discriminatory" breed-specific dangerous-dog ordinances. Instead, both cities set up enforceable, safer, more humane breed-neutral ordinances.

"Many people have worked long and hard to reach this historic day in the state of Ohio," explained Sharon Harvey, Cleveland APL CEO in a news release. "On behalf of the people of the Cleveland Animal Protective League, as well as Diamond, one of the pit bulls who is up for adoption at our humane society, I'd like to share our gratitude...Today, we celebrate a step forward in making Ohio a safer place for animals and people alike."

The new dangerous dog law goes into effect in May.