In October 2024, the Ohio Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in the case State v. Kyles (2024-Ohio-5038) that Ohio's felony animal cruelty law (R.C. 959.131, often called Goddard's Law) applies to all dogs and cats,
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including strays, community cats, feral cats, and unowned ones—not just household pets or those actively "kept" or owned by someone.
This means stray cats receive the same legal safeguards against serious physical harm or cruelty as owned household pets,
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elevating violations to a fifth-degree felony (rather than a misdemeanor under general animal cruelty laws). The Court interpreted the statute's definition of "companion animal" (which includes "any dog or cat regardless of where it is kept")
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broadly, emphasizing that "any" means all, without requiring proof of ownership, care, or being kept in a home.
The case stemmed from a man pouring bleach on a stray kitten, causing injury, and the ruling closed a loophole that lower courts had used to limit protections.
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Official decision link: You can read the full Ohio Supreme Court opinion here: supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/0…
More context: Alley Cat Allies (animal welfare group) summary: alleycat.org/victory-ohio-s…
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Animal Legal Defense Fund coverage: aldf.org/article/highes…
Court News Ohio release: courtnewsohio.gov/cases/2024/SCO…
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This has been widely reported as a win for animal welfare, ensuring stray and feral cats get felony-level protections against abuse. The image/meme you shared aligns with how advocates and media have summarized it!
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Official decision link: You can read the full Ohio Supreme Court opinion here:
8)supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/0…
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