Findlay council hears plea after loose dog killed a horse; asks law director to draft ordinance options

A Findlay resident told City Council on Feb. 18 that a loose dog attacked and fatally wounded her horse at Bell Stables and asked the council to expand the city’s animal-at-large and “vicious dog” rules.

Lynette Snyder described the Jan. incident at Emory Adams Park and Bell Stables, showed photos of the injured horse and the dog, and said the animal chewed through fences and ultimately caused mortal injuries to the 32-year-old horse she had owned for decades. “That dog attacked an 1,100-pound horse and he weighs what? 40 or 50 pounds? And he killed that horse,” Snyder said.

The attack, Snyder said, crossed three pastures and continued into a barn; veterinary staff and local officials concluded the dog posed a danger, she said, but under existing city and state code a dog is designated “vicious” only if it attacks a person or another dog. The owner received a citation and posted bond of $195, Snyder said, and the dog was released.

Why it matters: Council members and the law director said the incident exposed a gap between how residents expect dangerous animals to be handled and how existing municipal and state rules treat attacks on livestock or other animals.

Council members asked for a path forward. Rob Beitner, the city’s law director, said state law (as cited during the meeting) provides a baseline and that the city can adopt local ordinances that supplement state provisions. Beitner said the city’s code mirrors the state provisions in many respects but that the city can draft local language that would address attacks on livestock and other non-human animals.

Council member Miss Frishee asked whether the city could craft local penalties that go beyond the state’s baseline; Beitner said he would work with Snyder to develop options and return to council. Council member Mister Russell suggested arranging a conversation with the city’s state legislative delegation if changes to the Ohio Revised Code were needed.

Council direction: The council asked the law director to meet with Snyder, review the incident and existing code, and prepare proposed ordinance language or options for council review. The mayor and several council members encouraged public education about dog-owner responsibilities in the meantime.

Snyder asked that the city also consider physical steps, such as a chain-link fence between the soccer field and Bell Stables, to reduce risks. No formal ordinance amendment or vote occurred during the meeting.

Ending: Beitner said he would follow up with Snyder and bring draft options to council or the appropriate committee for formal consideration.