Nitro's Law Closer To Being Ohio Law

Ferrell Beachler has been rescuing dogs for several years now.

"They all have their own story.," said Ferrell.

She has seen firsthand the abuse that kennel owners can sometimes cause.

"In Ohio, there has been case after case of reported abuse in large scale numbers. And nothing can be done without the laws. There is just nothing there," Ferrell said.

Beachler is part of the local group known as Nitro's Ohio Army.

The grassroots group has been pushing lawmakers to pass House Bill 108, also known as Nitro's Law.

Nitro's Law would make it a fifth-degree felony for kennel owners, managers or employees who abuse dogs.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said a fifth-degree felony carries up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. Ohio is one of only four states where the first offense of animal abuse is not a felony.

Beachler was present when the bill passed the House Wednesday.

"It was a victory, but it was a small victory in the fight and we have got a ways to go, but we felt so encouraged," said Beachler.

Elizabeth Raab owned Nitro, a 3-year-old Rottweiler that was starved to death along with several other dogs at a Youngstown kennel called High Caliber K-9.

Kennel owner Steven Croley was convicted of four counts of animal cruelty -- all misdemeanors -- and placed on probation.

Raab said that passing the House is a good start but she is still skeptical. The bill was originally introduced two years ago, but the bill died in the Senate before it could become a law.

"While passing the House yesterday is a victory, it is and it isn't. Because we have done this already and we had to start all over again in 2011," explained Raab.

Raab hopes the bill makes it to the governor's desk this time and if it doesn't, she said, she will keep fighting.

"Every day I wake up and say that defeat is not an option. Never going to give up, there is no reason we should give up. This is what the people want and the legislatures really do need to listen," Raab said.

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