Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to clarify specific sections of the Columbus City Code, 1959 pertaining to the neglect, abandonment, confinement, cruelty, and conveyance of animals, in order to assist in more effective prosecution of animal cruelty cases.
Title
To amend Sections 2327.14 and 2327.15, and enact new Sections 2327.18 and 2327.19 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, to clarify and enhance provisions of the code pertaining to the neglect, abandonment, confinement, cruelty, and conveyance of animals.
Body
WHEREAS, recent criminal cases highlight the need to clarify specific sections of the code pertaining to the neglect, abandonment, confinement, cruelty, and conveyance of animals; and,
WHEREAS, City Council wishes to eradicate any obstacles that come in the way of the effective prosecution of animal cruelty cases; and,
WHEREAS, considerable evidence exists showing strong linkages between animal and domestic violence. Research suggests animal cruelty frequently predicts and/or occurs in tandem with family violence, child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse; and
WHEREAS, tools that lead to more effective prosecution of animal cruelty cases can lead to quicker action with the hope of ultimately ending the cycle of violence; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That Sections 2327.14 and 2327.15 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be and are hereby amended to read as follows:
2327.14 Noisy animals.
(A) No person shall keep or harbor any animal which howls, barks, or emits audible sounds that are unreasonably loud or disturbing and which are of such character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or to be detrimental to life and health of any individual.
(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of keeping noisy animals, a minor misdemeanor. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this...
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