Update: House Bill 33 Becomes Ohio Law! - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up! To Governor Mike DeWine for signing House Bill 33 into law and helping to protect abused animals!
January 13, 2021
On January 6, 2021, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 33 into law, which will require veterinarians, law enforcement officers, and dog wardens to report animal abuse. People who report the abuse are also protected from civil or criminal liability. The law will go into effect 90 days from the date of signing.
While mandated reporting is required of certain professionals who suspect abuse of people, House Bill 33 will require veterinarians, social workers, and animal control officers to report suspected animal abuse, also. This push for stronger legislation is supported by research which suggests there is a clear connection between abuse towards animals and abuse towards humans. Disturbingly, some abusive acts against animals arise out of an offender’s desire to inflict terror and pain upon other living creatures. Demonstrations of violence towards animals and depraved indifference to an animal’s suffering are closely correlated with other forms of criminal behavior including domestic abuse, rape, and homicide. Violent acts against animals are well-documented as one of the earliest and most reliable predictors of later acts of violence against humans.
To learn more about animal abuse and how to report it, read more at Understanding and Reporting Companion Animal Abuse.
Take Action: Please take a moment to thank Governor DeWine for signing House Bill 33 and improving the lives of animals in Ohio! Click here to write a message to Governor DeWine’s office.
Click here to go to our original article about House Bill 33.
Thank you for standing up against animal abuse!
Your efforts are greatly appreciated with hopes you can influence other Governors to take similar actions. Animals feel fear and pain and they are not ours to abuse!
Thanks again!!!
Thank you so much for signing House Bill 33 that protects those that can’t speak for themselves.
Grateful for your Bill 33 for protecting animals to keep them safe from abuse. Thank you! Thank you so much!
Thank you Govenor for signing Bill 33,now hopefully more Politicians will follow in your footsteps and enact more Bills to Protect innocent animals that speak for themselves. Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for standing up for the voiceless. This bill was long over due. We animal lovers greatly appreciate your signing Bill 33.