'Goddard's Law' is Now in Effect in Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — House Bill 60, also known as "Goddards Law" was signed into law back in June by Ohio governor John Kasich back in June — today that law went into effect.

The new law now makes knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal a 5th degree felony. Depriving a pet of food, water or shelter or inflicting long-term pain is also a violation of this law.

The new law is named for northeast Ohio meteorologist, Dick Goddard of Fox8 Cleveland. Goddard has long been an advocate for animals.

"It's wonderful; if it's the last thing I do of any consequence, I'm thrilled to death for the animals," said Goddard.

Republican David Hall and Democrat Bill Patmon are sponsors of the bill. Patmon told Fox8 that the bill was "the toughest piece of legislation he's ever had to get through the legislature."

The law also mandates prison time for anyone who assaults and kills a service animal such as a police dog or police horse.

Photo of Chester by Rick Uldricks/Patch