05/28/2026
Folks - PLEASE DON'T CONTACT US AND TRY TO PRESSURE US TO TAKE A DOG THAT HAS BITTEN - know the law-
Steps must be taken and adhered to - WE DO NOT TAKE AGRESSIVE DOGS AT OUR RESCUE.
CLERMONT COUNTY RULES.LAWS REGARDING DOG BITES.
Clermont County Dog Bite Laws in Ohio
In Clermont County, Ohio, dog bite laws follow the state’s Ohio Revised Code (ORC) provisions, which apply county-wide.
Quarantine and Animal Control Rules (ORC § 955.261)
If a dog bites a person in Clermont County:
No removal or transfer of the dog is allowed until a quarantine period is completed.
The quarantine is 10 days or another period set by the local board of health if rabies observation is needed.
The dog must be quarantined under the board’s supervision.
You may transfer the dog to the county dog warden or another animal control authority during quarantine.
You may kill the dog only if it is diseased, seriously injured, or to prevent further injury/death, but must:
Notify the board of health immediately.
Hold the body until the board claims it for rabies testing.
Police dogs are exempt if they are under a licensed veterinarian or used for law enforcement purposes Ohio Laws+1.
Strict Liability for Dog Owners (ORC § 955.28(B))
Ohio is a strict liability state for dog bites:
The owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog is liable for injury, death, or property damage caused by the dog.
Liability applies even for the first bite and does not require proof of negligence or prior aggression.
“Keeper” means someone with care, custody, or control of the dog at the time of the incident.
“Harborer” means someone who shelters the dog or allows it to stay at their home.
The victim must have been lawfully present at the location where the bite occurred legalclarity.org+1.
Victim’s Burden of Proof
Under ORC § 955.28(B), the victim must prove:
The defendant was the owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog.
The dog caused injury, death, or property damage.
The victim was lawfully present at the location Recording Law.
Exceptions to Liability
Liability does not apply if, at the time of the bite:
The victim was committing or attempting a criminal trespass or other criminal offense (except minor misdemeanors) on the dog’s property.
The victim was committing or attempting a criminal offense against any person.
The victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog Recording Law.
Practical Steps After a Bite in Clermont County
Do not remove or kill the dog until quarantine is complete.
Contact the board of health for quarantine instructions.
Document the incident (photos, witness contact).
Seek medical attention immediately.
File a police report and notify the board of health.
For official rules, see ORC § 955.261 (quarantine) and ORC § 955.28(B) (liability).
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