OH HB754

Prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor animal abuse offenses from owning, possessing, or residing with companion animals for 5 years after release, or 15 years if they have prior animal abuse convictions.

Prohibits persons convicted of felony animal abuse offenses from owning, possessing, or residing with companion animals for 15 years after release, or for their lifetime if they have prior animal abuse convictions.

Establishes procedures for seizing companion animals suspected of abuse, requiring written notice to owners and court hearings within 10 days to determine probable cause and bond amounts for animal care.

Allows courts to order convicted animal abusers to pay impounding agency costs, forfeit companion animals, and undergo psychological evaluation or counseling.

Creates a first-degree misdemeanor penalty for violating the companion animal ownership prohibitions, with mandatory forfeiture of any companion animals in the offender's possession.