(COLUMBUS) - State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) have introduced House Bill 676 - legislation that is a targeted response to the tragic incident that happened in Ashtabula County at a fur and urine farm.

In December 2024, hundreds of animals - including wolfdog hybrids, coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, and opossums - were discovered severely neglected on a one-acre residential property after the sudden death of the owner. The situation posed a public safety risk to nearby families and children, required emergency county intervention, and resulted in significant costs and loss of animal life.

"This bill is a very targeted approach to correct the issue that happened in Ashtabula County. Wolfdog hybrids are dangerous dogs and need additional regulation and safety standards," said Representative Thomas. "Had we passed this bill five years ago this horrible crisis would not have happened in Ashtabula County because it would have allowed easier access to the property and alerted the proper authorities earlier."

The piece of legislation would do the following:

Establish statewide registration and safety standards for wolfdog hybrids
Improve coordination between county auditors, dog wardens, and public health officials
Allow counties to recover costs associated with emergency animal neglect responses through nuisance abatements

Several of these neglected animals were relocated to Representative Rodney Creech's district. He joined Representative Thomas on this piece of legislation to address some of the gaps in Ohio law that was a root cause for this incident and neglect.

"This legislation establishes clear, responsible standards for the ownership of wolfdog hybrids while giving local governments the tools they need to protect public safety and monitor animal health. It's a commonsense approach that balances individual responsibility with the well-being of our communities and the wolfdog hybrids within them," said Representative Creech.

This incident cost local taxpayers approximately $20,000 in immediate care and supplies, while nonprofit partners covered veterinary care, euthanasia, and relocation expenses totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Officials noted that without these nonprofits helping, the county may have had to euthanize all the animals, and those costs could have exceeded $100,000.

Both lawmakers expressed that they would continue to have conversations around some of the standards of care and neglect for these animals that could result in broad and comprehensive legislation in the future.

"That legislation will take time and careful collaboration," Thomas added. "But the goal remains the same: providing a pathway for local authorities to be able to get on the property and inspect to make sure laws are being followed."

House Bill 676 awaits a committee assignment.