Every state should adopt this standard!
That sounds really good.But instead of it saying cats or dogs , it should be any animal. It isn’t just cats and dogs that are [a.bu.sed].
This Is a great start though…!
In a unanimous 7–0 decision, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the state’s felony animal [c.ru.el.ty] law, known as Goddard’s Law, applies to all cats and dogs—whether they have an owner or not.
The law is named after Dick Goddard, a beloved Cleveland TV meteorologist who became widely known not just for forecasting the weather, but for his deep commitment to animal welfare. For decades, he used his platform to speak out against [c.ru.el.ty] and promote pet adoption—helping inspire stronger protections for animals across the state.
Until now, Ohio’s lower court had interpreted the law differently, ruling that only pets receiving care qualified for felony protection—meaning harming a stray could be treated as a [le.ss.er] offence.
That has now changed.
The [ca.se] began with a [he.artbre.aking] act of [c.ru.el.ty] in 2021, when a [stray] kitten in a Cleveland apartment basement was [at.ta.ck.ed]. The [co.nvi.ction] that followed was later overturned on appeal, sparking [ou.tra.ge] and prompting major animal welfare groups—including the Humane Society of the United States, Alley Cat Allies, Cleveland Animal Protective League, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund—to step in and push for clarity.
With this ruling, there is no longer a distinction between a pet and a stray when it comes to protection under the law.
Every cat. Every dog. Protected.
Ohio now stands as one of the strongest states in the country for animal protection—sending a clear message that [cr.ue.lty], no matter who the animal belongs to, will be [taken] seriously.
it should be a federal law for all states and for all animals
ANY cat or dog regardless of whether someone one owns it or not is now covered. It’s a good step forward but we have a ways to go…
Thank you for the present changes to protect those who can’t speak for themselves. ♥️😊🙏🏻🐾
