Goddard.zip

Goddard's Law, which makes certain acts of animal cruelty felony crimes, passed the Ohio legislature late Wednesday night with broad bipartisan support. The law is named after long-time Cleveland weatherman and animal activist Dick Goddard.

(File photo)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill that would make cruelty to pets a felony -- known as Goddard's Law -- passed the Ohio House and Senate on Wednesday.

House Bill 60 makes knowingly causing physical harm to a companion animal a fifth-degree felony, punishable by six months to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. That includes depriving a pet of food, water or shelter.

The bill unanimously passed the Senate and the House concurred with amendments in a 92-1 vote.

The bill is named after Dick Goddard, a long-time WJW Channel 8 weatherman and animal activist. Goddard, 85, announced his retirement last week.

Bill sponsor Rep. Bill Patmon, a Cleveland Democrat, thanked his colleagues for passing the bill, which had failed to pass in a previous legislative session.

"Something people said was impossible is possible tonight," Patmon said.

The bill also: