Not all pit bulls — or any dog, for that matter — are vicious, and some Ohio lawmakers seem to agree.

An Ohio law enacted this week prevents dogs from being branded as vicious solely because of their breed. Now, the only vicious dogs are those who’ve warranted the label. From a Los Angeles Times story:

Previously, state law defined a vicious dog as one that hurt or killed a person, killed a another canine or was simply a pit bull, according to the Associated Press. The change now requires proof that a pit bull is actually vicious.

We follow the gut-wrenching saga of breed-specific legislation here at Pawesome, as difficult as it can be at times to read and write. But here’s hoping more pit bulls will live instead of die over questionable crimes of identity.

Also in Ohio this week, the Cleveland City Council voted to limit the amount of time dogs can spend tied outside, according to a newsnet5.com report. The ordinance came as a result of excessive barking from dogs left alone, dogs found improperly tied up, and dogs left in harsh weather conditions. We spend a lot of time worrying about trapping dogs inside, but let’s not forget that they can be trapped (and harmed) outside, too.

Let’s all of us be extra-kind to doggies today.

Photo: maplegirlie on Flickr.