Frequently Asked Questions

The Division of Animal Control can help you between 7:30am and 3pm, 7 days/week, or you can register online at the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer's Website, or call the County Dog Warden at 216.525.7877 for a location near you.

You can pay your fine by mail or at the Clerk of Courts Office located on the 3rd floor of the Justice Center. The Justice Center is located at 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio (map). The phone number is 216.664.4966. See the back of the citation for full instructions.

Many dogfight injuries are life-threatening and cause death. Most fights feature pit bulls which have been bred and trained for fighting. They cause bruising, puncture wounds, and broken bones with their powerful jaws. Dogs often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection. Some owners train their dogs for fights with cats, rabbits or smaller dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained from "free to good home" ads.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Remove unused pet food and water bowls at night and never leave them out for wild animals
• Don't store garbage in bags - keep it in cans with secure lids or stored in a secure area
• Harvest gardens often and pick up fruit from the ground
• Control access by keeping pet doors locked and sealing entry holes in and under buildings, eaves, air ducts and decks. Slotted vent covers are better than screens
• Make a trench around a deck at least one foot deep, put in ¼” screening or metal flashing, and fill with dirt. Attach screen to deck with nails or fence staples. Before completing, make sure no animals are trapped inside. Sprinkle flour around entrance holes and check for tracks in the morning- if there are none 3 nights in a row, there probably are no animals. This may also be used along fences.
• Animals damaging lawns may leave if there are no grub worms or subsoil insects. Organic and chemical control products can be bought at hardware or garden stores. If using chemical products, remember the safety of pets and children
• Animals may be kept away from roof areas by trimming branches 10 feet from roof and by keeping climbing plants away from roof area and eaves.