Pets & Animals
Chickens, ducks, & Rabbits
Chicken, Duck, & Rabbit Keeping Standards
- Must be located on a property with a structure, chickens, ducks, and rabbits must be kept on the side or rear of the lot, and animals must be kept at least 10 feet from any property line
- Chickens, ducks, and rabbits must be kept in a fenced-in or sheltering structure at all times
- Properties smaller than 1 acre must screen sheltering structures
- Manure must be properly disposed of
- Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required
For information about filing a certificate of zoning compliance contact Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department at (614) 525-3094.
beekeeping
Beekeeping Standards
- Follow Development Standards
- one-quarter acre or less – 2 colonies
- more than a one-quarter acre but less than a one-half acre – 4 colonies
- more than one-half acre – 6 colonies
- Yards and Location on Lot Standards
- Any structure used for apiculture shall comply with the following yard and setback requirements:
- Be located in a side or rear yard
- Be located at least 10 feet from any property line
- In the absence of a principal structure must be located behind the building line
- If the total area of structures used for apiculture does not exceed 65 square feet, the structures are not considered accessory buildings
- Any structure used for apiculture shall comply with the following yard and setback requirements:
- Hive Registration – All honey bee colonies shall be registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture
- Hive Type – All honey bee colonies shall be kept in Langstroth-type hives with removable frames, which shall be kept in sound and usable condition
- Fencing of Flyways
- Height: 6 feet in height
- Materials: consisting of a solid wall, fence, dense vegetation, or combination thereof that is parallel to the property line
- Location: extends 10 feet beyond the colony in each direction
- Certificate of Zoning Compliance Required
For information about filing a certificate of zoning compliance contact Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department at (614) 525-3094.
LOST PETS
The Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is a great resource for lost pets. Use the Pet FBI information center for lost and found dogs, cats, and all other pets. This site allows users to search a database, post a report, receive automatic alerts, and learn what to do and who to contact if a lost pet is found. If you see a pet that may be yours, go to the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center immediately to identify and reclaim the pet. Due to the large number of pets received daily at the shelter, they are unable to positively identify or answer questions about lost pets over the phone.
Lost Dogs
File a lost dog report with the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center, including a description of your dog, the date and location where the dog was last seen, and contact information for the owner of the dog. If possible, include a photo. Dogs wearing a current Franklin County dog license will be held at the Shelter for up to 14 days. By state law unlicensed dogs are only required to be held for three days. Every attempt is made to reunite lost dogs with owners. After the waiting period, dogs are evaluated for adoption or release to a reputable rescue group. Unadoptable dogs may be euthanized.
View photos of unidentified lost dogs here.
Residents can also report stray or loose dogs by phone to either the Hilliard Division of Police at (614) 876-7321 or to the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center at (614) 525-3400. The Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center has one or more animal control officers on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This agency is also responsible for the enforcement of dog-related laws and operates the Franklin County dog shelter at 4340 Tamarack Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229.
Lost Cats
The Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) will accept stray cats and other animals for a fee if space is available. Their facility is located at 3015 Scioto-Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. For more information call (614) 777-7387.
Norwich Township encourages the responsible control of domestic animals on public and private properties. Domestic animals that are allowed to roam can be aggressive threats and contribute to the continuing rabies problem in this region. Because domestic cats and dogs are the primary carriers of rabies to humans, we consider stray cat and dog encounters with residents and visitors to be a serious safety concern. We also ask people to be aware of the detrimental effects that feral and free-ranging domestic cats can have on native wildlife and natural ecosystems. Domestic cats are a significant factor in the mortality of desirable small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. For these reasons, Norwich Township requires that pets be properly confined and controlled.
Removal of dead animals
Norwich Township receives many calls regarding wildlife, including the removal of dead animals. Our Road Department is responsible for removing dead animals within the right-of-ways on Township roads. Click HERE for more information on removing dead animals.
Important note: Know the roadway and the nearest address of where the animal is located prior to calling for service. Dead animals on private property should be addressed by contacting an animal control company for removal at the homeowner’s expense.
*Norwich Township does not have an animal control department.
BARKING DOGS
Norwich Township encourages residents to make the first attempt to a resolution. If the barking continues, the Township can send a letter to help resolve the complaint. Norwich Township asks that all residents manage the care of animals so that they are not disruptive to neighbors.
Norwich Township has a Noise Resolution to prohibit obnoxious noises such as continued barking.
