Ohio Revised Code
Chapter 935 | Possession of Wild Animals and Snakes
Section 935.19 | Access to Premises.

Effective: March 31, 2021
Latest Legislation: House Bill 24 - 133rd General Assembly
(A)(1) The director of agriculture or the director's designee may enter at all reasonable times any premises at which a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake is confined, with the consent of the owner of the premises, for the purpose of determining compliance with this chapter and rules.
(2) If the director or the director's designee is denied access to any such premises, and if the director reasonably suspects that the person who possesses the dangerous wild animal or restricted snake is not in compliance with this chapter or rules, the director may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the premises is located for a search warrant authorizing access to the premises for the purposes of this section.
(3) The court shall issue the search warrant for the purposes requested if there is probable cause to believe that the person is not in compliance with this chapter or rules. The finding of probable cause may be based on hearsay, provided that there is a substantial basis for believing that the source of the hearsay is credible and that there is a factual basis for the information furnished.
(B) The director may designate any of the following to conduct inspections under this section:
(1) Employees of the department of agriculture;
(2) Natural resources law enforcement officers with the consent of the director of natural resources;
(3) Employees of the department of health with the consent of the director of health;
(4) Employees of a board of health with the consent of the board;
(5) Humane society agents appointed under section 1717.06 of the Revised Code with the consent of the humane society.
(C) If a person designated under division (B) of this section determines, while conducting an inspection, that a violation of this chapter or rules has occurred, is occurring, or may occur, the person shall immediately notify the director of agriculture. The director may proceed as provided in section 935.24 of the Revised Code.

Structure Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Revised Code

Title 9 | Agriculture-Animals-Fences

Chapter 935 | Possession of Wild Animals and Snakes

Section 935.01 | Definitions.

Section 935.011 | Defining Wild Animals and Restricted Snakes.

Section 935.02 | Possession of Dangerous Wild Animal Prohibited.

Section 935.03 | Exceptions.

Section 935.04 | Registration of Dangerous Wild Animals.

Section 935.041 | Registration of Certain Marmosets, Monkeys, Capuchins and Lemurs.

Section 935.05 | Wildlife Shelter Permit.

Section 935.06 | Issuance or Denial of Wildlife Shelter Permit.

Section 935.07 | Wildlife Propagation Permit.

Section 935.08 | Restricted Snake Possession Permit.

Section 935.09 | Issuance or Denial of Restricted Snake Possession Permit.

Section 935.10 | Restricted Snake Propagation Permit.

Section 935.101 | Rescue Facility Permit.

Section 935.11 | Persons Possessing Both Dangerous Wild Animals and Restricted Snakes.

Section 935.12 | Compliance.

Section 935.13 | Suspension or Revocation of Permit.

Section 935.14 | Maintenance of Database; Access.

Section 935.15 | Records.

Section 935.16 | Escape of Animal; Notification.

Section 935.17 | Adoption of Rules.

Section 935.18 | Sale or Auction of Animals Prohibited.

Section 935.19 | Access to Premises.

Section 935.20 | Investigations.

Section 935.21 | Other Officers Authorized to Investigate.

Section 935.22 | Liability for Destruction of Animal or Snake.

Section 935.23 | Requirements for Access to Antivenom; List of Species; Liability for Treatment of Bites.

Section 935.24 | Civil Penalty.

Section 935.25 | Dangerous and Restricted Animal Fund.

Section 935.29 | Local Ordinances.

Section 935.99 | Criminal Penalties.