Here's the confirmation appearing on Governor Taft's State of Ohio web page:

COLUMBUS (January 8, 2003) -
Governor Bob Taft today signed the following bills, which will be filed with the Secretary of State's office.

Substitute Senate Bill 221, sponsored by state Senator David Goodman (R-Bexley),
Prohibits specified acts with respect to a companion animal, establishes a procedure for the care of an impounded companion animal during the pendency of charges against a person who violates the prohibition, requires training for humane agents, increases the penalty for committing certain offenses against animals if the commission of the offense also involves criminal trespass, and establishes requirements concerning the reporting by certain authorities of abuse or neglect of animals or children.
The bill goes into effect 90 days upon the Governor's signature and filing with the Secretary of State.

MANY THANKS to all who helped Support and Pass this Law!!