Cleveland Updates Rules for Nuisance and Dangerous Dogs

Cleveland City Council has passed new emergency legislation to change how the city handles dogs that may pose a threat to public safety. Under File No. 605-2026, the city is replacing the entirety of Chapter 604 of the Codified Ordinances to establish a new framework for managing nuisance, dangerous, and vicious dogs. This update ensures that local rules align with recent changes to state law, specifically House Bill 247, also known as Avery's Law, which modified the authority levels for designating specific types of dogs under R.C. Chapter 955.

The new ordinance establishes a process where Cleveland Animal Control Officers collect evidence regarding potentially dangerous dogs and submit that information to the Cuyahoga County Dog Warden for formal investigation and designation. According to the 605-2026-Legislative Summary-Dangerous Dogs, this system allows the city to maintain public safety through interim measures while the county conducts its review. For example, Section 604.04 requires dog owners to follow specific interim confinement and restraint rules during an investigation, such as using a secure enclosure on the premises or a leash not exceeding six feet with a humane muzzle when off-premises. Additionally, the ordinance requires that dog owners receive written notice when their information is submitted to the County Dog Warden.

This emergency ordinance has officially passed. Residents can monitor the implementation of these new procedures through the Division of Animal Care and Control and the Cuyahoga County Dog Warden's office.

Source record

File
605-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
May 6, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources