Ohio relaxes law on pit bulls

A change in a 25-year-old law that took effect Tuesday now treats the often infamous pit bull just like any other dog and no longer automatically classifies the breed as vicious.

In some places, the updated law means the breed is welcome at dog parks and can be taken on walks on the street without chains and/or muzzles, News Center 7’s Mark Bruce reported Tuesday.

For a quarter century, Ohio law classified pit bulls as vicious even if they never had an incident. That meant owners were supposed to get extra insurance, and keep their animals confined or only walk them with a chain or muzzle. Now that's only the case if a dog attacks or is declared a nuisance.

The new state law does not affect city ordinances that may ban or limit pit bulls. Some city leaders tell us they will revisit their laws, if they feel there’s a need to do so.