In an effort to educate and provide guidance to the community, the City of Lorain has launched "Lorain Safe Pets" initiative focused on providing resources and information to Lorain residents and pet owners. Information provided is based on current city legislation [Reference Chapter 505: Animals and Fowl - Lorain Codified Ordinances].

Lorain Safe Pets Initiative aims to increase public awareness regarding the rules concerning pet ownership, provides resources for pet owners, and how to resolve conflict of animals running at large.

By collectively deepening our understanding of local animal regulations and resources available, we can ensure a safer and more harmonious coexistence between our community members and our city's animal population.

Below we've provided a list of basic pet ownership responsibilities based upon current City of Lorain legislation. Find out more about each specific topic in the "More Information and Resources" section on this page.

• Annual Dog Registration
• Rabies Immunization
• Permitted Animals
• Number of Permitted Animals

Current legislation from the City of Lorain outlines information on the potential threats posed by animals at large, which may endanger residents and other animals; additional information is provided below.

• Definitions of Dangerous Animals (Dogs)
• Confinement of Dogs
• Animals At-Large
• Nuisance Condition
• Penalty

Information on Keeping Pets Safe:

Annual Dog Registration

As outlined in Section 505.06 Annual Registration of Dogs of Lorain Codified Ordinances, Dogs should be registered with the Lorain County Auditor's Department Annually. Dogs of 3 Months or older must be registered on an annual basis no later than January 31st of each year. Licensing is a requirement of state law. The license, attached to your dog's collar, will identify you as the owner should the dog be lost.

Locations to Register Dog:

• Lorain County Dog Kennel's Office
  301 Hadaway Street Elyria, OH 44035
  Phone: 440-326-5995

• Lorain County Auditor's Office
  Lorain County Administration Building
  226 Middle Avenue, 2nd Floor Elyria, OH 44035
  Phone: 440-329-5207

• Other License Locations are also available throughout Lorain County. Please call the Dog Warden's Office at 440-326-5995 for more information.

If your dog is found running at large by the Dog Warden's office and is wearing a tag, you will be notified by phone or in person that your dog has been impounded. With a current license attached, you are assured that your dog will be held for 14 days. Dogs not wearing their current license tags are held only 3 business days before adoption, rescue, or euthanization.

Rabies Immuization

According to Section 505.11 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances, domestic animals between the ages of 3 and 4 months must receive rabies immunization as mandated by the Lorain County General Health District. Only licensed veterinarians are authorized to administer the vaccination, and additional resources have been included in the Information section of this page. Domestic animals that are not immunized against rabies are liable to be seized.

It is vital to get your pets vaccinated against rabies to protect them and other animals from contracting the disease, which can be transmitted through a bite. To prevent this, it is best to keep your pets confined. Any animal bites should be reported to the Lorain County Board of Health.

Permitted Animals

As per Section 505.18 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances, wild animals are defined as any animal except for domestic dogs and cats. These animals, either being carnivorous in the wild or having the physical ability to cause serious harm or death to humans, fall under the category of wild animals.

Other prohibited animals include:

• poisonous snakes,
• constrictors,
• foxes,
• skunks,
• raccoons,
• opossums,
• weasels,
• ferrets,
• cattle,
• sheep,
• swine,
• goats,
• chickens,
• roosters,
• llamas,
• horses.

Farm Animals are define as any warm blooded animals raised on farms in the United States and are intended for use as food or fiber.

**Bites from Prohibited Animals: **

If a wild animal bites a person, the bite must be reported to the Health Commissioner within twenty-four hours. The animal that caused the bite will be captured under Section 505.05 and the Health Commissioner will destroy it. The animal's head will also be removed and tested for rabies to determine if it has the disease.

Number of Permitted Animals

Residential properties in the City of Lorain, including single-family, two-family, multi-family, and apartments, are limited to five domestic animals per property.

Information on Animal At-Large Threats:

Definitions of Dangerous Animals (Dogs)

The term "dangerous dog" refers to a dog that, without any provocation, has chased or approached any person in a menacing manner or an apparent attitude of attack. Additionally, if the dog has attempted to bite or engage in any other behavior that could potentially harm a human being, while being off the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, and not under the reasonable control of its owner, keeper, harborer, or any other responsible person, or not physically restrained or confined in a locked pen, fenced yard, or other enclosed area that has a top, then it is considered a dangerous dog.

The term "menacing fashion" refers to the behavior of a dog that would make any person being chased or approached believe that the dog will cause physical harm to them.

On the other hand, a "vicious dog" is a dog that, without any provocation and subject to Section 505.01(f), meets any of the following: (1) it has killed or caused serious injury to any person, or (2) it has caused injury to a person, or has killed or seriously injured a companion animal.

Confinement of Dogs

According to Section 505.02, all dog owners are required to leash their dogs when they are off their property. Dogs should also be physically confined or restrained by a leash, tether, or fence to prevent them from escaping. When off the owner's property, dogs should be kept on a leash and under control. If a dog is found running at large off its owner's property, it will be considered a violation of this section.

Animals At-Large

According to Section 505.03, pet owners are not allowed to let their domestic animals wander off without a leash or proper registration in any public place or premises. If an animal is found running around freely, it is considered a violation of this section and the owner may be charged with a minor misdemeanor.

Nuisance Condition

According to Section 505.12 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances, it is mandatory for pet owners to keep their pets and animals on their own property. It is strictly forbidden for pet owners or caretakers to allow their pets to roam around public areas or someone else's property, even if they are tagged. Moreover, if any animal belonging to any owner or caretaker scratches, digs, or defecates on someone else's property, it is considered a nuisance. The owner or caretaker must not allow the animal to do so without permission. If the animal's feces are disposed of in a sanitary way, however, the nuisance is considered to be resolved.

Penalty

The penalty(ies) for violating one or more sections of Lorain Codified Ordinances range based on the committed offence. If a person who owns, harbors, or keeps an animal violates certain sections related to animal control regulations and their animal causes serious physical harm to a person, they will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This penalty is in addition to any other penalties for violating other sections mentioned in this chapter.