Citizens Engagement “Paws-es” with Legislative Action
Animal welfare advocates aimed to modify Ohio’s constitution in 2017. This came soon after the “Petland Bill,” which overruled local ordinances that required pet stores to purchase dogs from humane societies, shelters and rescues instead of large-scale breeders. The proposed amendment sought to regulate puppy mills by making sure dogs were treated humanely, with adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, vet care and socialization. After getting the petition certified, the campaign suspended with assurances the new regulations in HB506 would not be diluted in the future. HB506, which regulates dog breeders, was signed into law by the Governor on June 29, 2018. In effect, the campaign helped influence a better outcome for animals without putting anything on the ballot.
Proponents:
Opposed by:
Stop Puppy Mills Ohio
Humane Society of the United States
American Kennel Club
Petland Lobby
vs.
Supporters
Sought meaningful change of the puppy mill issue
Sought better care for breeding moms by making sure they were provided adequate food, clean water, veterinarian care, exercise and socialization
Would ban housing dogs in stacked cages and instead mandate each dog be given indoor space that allows them to turn around, lie down and stretch
Would screen dogs for genetic disorders before breeding
Set a limit of six litters in a dog’s lifetime.
Opposition did not want an amendment on the ballot
American Kennel Club position was the initiative as a constitutional amendment
Had restrictive and harmful regulations
Made the regulations extremely difficult to ever change thus having a negative impact in the future if better care practices are developed
Acknowledged by Mike Gonidakis, a lobbyist for Petland, who indicated no one viewed a constitutional amendment as the right course
https://www.wosu.org/news/2018-06-26/ohios-puppy-mill-restrictions-could-set-new-national-standard
vs.
Many groups signed on as interested parties in support of a separate legislative statute (HB506) for dog breeding including Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Dairy Producers, Ohio Pork Council
Result:
The campaign to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot activated many Ohioans and groups that were concerned about the health and well-being of dogs. Most opposition was specific to this being a constitutional amendment initiative and not about better regulation of the puppy mills in Ohio. This resulted in HB506, which was signed into law on June 29, 2018 after a compromise was reached with the Humane Society of the United States to not seek further puppy mill restrictions via the ballot for 10 years.
The impact of the campaign continues through to the present as SB 232 was introduced in 2025 and would redefine “high-volume” dog breeders as well as require a licensed veterinarian perform all surgeries and euthanasia.
https://www.wdtn.com/news/ohio/ohio-lawmakers-push-for-tougher-laws-on-puppy-mills/
https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/sb232
Timeline:
What happened
Date(s)
Step
Petition filed with Attorney General
September 6, 2017
Petition filed
Determined petition was “fair and truthful”
September 15, 2017
Petition Approved
Ruled compliant with single subject rule by Ohio Ballot Board
September 22, 2017
Ballot Board Approval
Introduced by Rep. Brian Hill (R-Columbus), with bi-partisan cosponsors
House Bill 506 Status | 132nd General Assembly | Ohio Legislature
Ohio Legislature Finally Passes Bill to Regulate Puppy Mills
February 13, 2018
HB506 Introduced
Passed Ohio House after compromise reached with Humane Association of US to not seek further puppy mill restrictions via the ballot for 10 years
https://www.fox19.com/story/38512797/ohio-puppy-mill-restrictions-could-set-new-national-standard/
June 20, 2018
HB506
June 29, 2018
HB506 Signed
