OH SB64

Increases penalties for companion animal cruelty under Section 959.131: first-offense violations of divisions (B) or (E) elevated from first-degree misdemeanor to fifth-degree felony with mandatory maximum prison term; subsequent offenses elevated to third-degree felony with mandatory maximum prison term

Elevates violations of divisions (C) and (F) of Section 959.131 from fifth-degree felony to third-degree felony with mandatory maximum prison term

Increases first-offense violations of division (D) from second-degree misdemeanor to first-degree misdemeanor with mandatory maximum jail term; subsequent offenses elevated to fifth-degree felony with mandatory maximum prison term

Creates new Section 959.23 prohibiting persons convicted of felony animal abuse offenses from owning, possessing, or residing with any companion animal for three years following release from incarceration or conviction

Amends Section 955.54 to add Chapter 959 violations to existing restrictions that prohibit certain felony offenders from owning unspayed/unneutered dogs over 12 weeks old or dangerous dogs for three years post-release