I lost two beloved dogs to the cruel reality of animal abuse here in Delaware County. What happened to them is something no pet owner should ever have to experience, and it opened my eyes to a painful truth: the laws we have in place are often not strong enough to prevent repeat offenders from harming animals again.

Two of my dogs, Oliver and Lucy, suffered horrific abuse at the hands of someone I once trusted. They were subjected to repeated harm and ultimately suffered severe liver failure after being drugged, and they had to be humanely euthanized. They were loving animals who trusted the people around them, and they deserved long, happy lives. Losing them in this way showed me just how devastating the consequences of animal abuse can be, not only for the animals themselves but for the families who love them.

In many cases across Delaware County, individuals convicted of animal abuse receive relatively short jail sentences or small fines. Once those sentences are completed, there is often nothing preventing them from obtaining another animal. Without stronger safeguards, this allows the cycle of abuse to continue.

Ohio law, including Ohio Revised Code 959.13 and Ohio Revised Code 959.131, establishes penalties for cruelty to animals and abuse of companion animals. However, these statutes do not require individuals convicted of these crimes to be placed on a registry or prevent them from later adopting or purchasing another animal. As a result, shelters and rescues, have no reliable way to know whether someone has previously been convicted of abusing animals.

A practical solution is the creation of a Delaware County Animal Abuse Registry. This registry would require individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses under Ohio law to register for a defined period of time. Animal shelters, rescues, breeders, and pet stores could then check the registry before adopting, or transferring ownership of an animal. This would help prevent known abusers from obtaining animals again while remaining fully compliant with Ohio law.

Other communities have already implemented similar measures to help break the cycle of abuse. Delaware County has the opportunity to do the same by taking a proactive step that protects animals and supports responsible pet ownership.

Animals cannot speak for themselves, but our community can speak for them.

By signing this petition, you are asking the Delaware County Commissioners to establish an Animal Abuse Registry and strengthen protections for animals in our county. Together we can help ensure that animals in our community are safer and that those who harm them cannot simply move on and repeat the same behavior.

Sign this petition to help protect animals in Delaware County and give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.