Ohio § 959.09
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 959.09, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 959.09.
(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2) of this section, a person required
to make a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code may do so orally or in writing and shall include all of the following in the report: (a) If known, the name and description of the companion animal involved; (b) The address and telephone number of the owner or other person responsible for care
of the companion animal, if known; (c) The nature and extent of the suspected abuse; (d) Any other information that the person making the report believes may be useful in
establishing the existence of the suspected violation involving a companion animal
or the identity of the person causing the violation involving a companion animal. (2) An officer, dog warden, or deputy dog warden required to make a report under section 959.08 of the Revised Code may exclude any information from the report that is confidential or that the officer,
dog warden, or deputy dog warden reasonably believes could jeopardize a pending criminal
investigation. (B) A person required to make a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code is immune from civil or criminal liability in connection with making that report
if the person acted in good faith when making the report. (C) No person required to make a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code shall knowingly make a false report. (D)(1) A court shall award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party
in any civil or criminal action or proceeding in which it is alleged and proved that
participation in the making of a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code was not in good faith. (2) A court may award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the party against whom
a civil action or proceeding is brought in which it is alleged that participation
in the making of a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code was not in good faith if the action or proceeding is voluntarily dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 959.09
What does Ohio Revised Code § 959.09 cover?
Section 959.09 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 959.09?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 959.09" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 959.09 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.