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OXFORD — An abused dog returned to its owner has local officials taking action.

Butler County Auditor Kay Rogers said it's time to change laws to take dogs way from those who abuse them.

The action comes in the wake of a decision by Butler County Area I Court Judge Rob Lyons to return a dog named China to her owner, who was convicted of animal cruelty for allowing a chain to become embedded an inch into the dog's neck.

"We can't reverse the decision on a dog named China, but we can protect countless other dogs by changing the law," Rogers stated in a news release.

A proposed bill in the Ohio House of Representatives would mandate that a hearing be held within 21 days in cruelty cases involving a live animal.

The bill is sponsored by John White, R-Kettering, as a result of dog fighting problems in Montgomery County.

Local veterinarian State Rep. Shawn Webster, R-Hanover Twp., said the bill may be a good vehicle to propose additional changes to laws.

Webster said he may propose an amendment stating a person convicted of "extreme" animal cruelty would automatically lose the animal.

In those extreme animal cruelty cases — which would include intentional or unintentional bodily injury to an animal — it would not be up to a judge to deny or award ownership of a dog.

Rogers, the owner of three dogs, also said she supports changes to laws stating if a person is convicted of basic animal cruelty twice, he or she would lose the animal permanently.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mengle@coxohio.com.