Sub. H. B. No. 147 Summary

• Establishes mandatory training requirements for humane society agents, including minimum 20 hours on animal cruelty investigation and prosecution with instruction on traditional animal husbandry methods.

• Creates new approval and oversight procedures for humane society agent appointments through mayors or probate judges, with requirements for proof of training completion and notification to county sheriffs.

• Makes humane society agents subject to bribery laws by defining them as "public servants" under Section 2921.02 of the Revised Code.

• Establishes procedures for animal seizure and impoundment related to cruelty cases, including court hearings to determine probable cause and bond/cash deposit requirements for animal care.

• Restricts humane societies from prosecuting felony violations of animal cruelty statutes and requires court approval for non-prosecution agreements between humane societies and alleged violators.