COLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich signed the bill Tuesday morning eliminating a 25-year-old Ohio law automatically declaring the “pit bull” to be an inherently vicious dog. The new law will take effect in 90 days.

House Bill 14 was overwhelmingly approved 67-30 by the state House on Feb. 8.

In addition to dropping any reference to a specific breed of dog from the law, the new law will redefine current designations of “vicious” and “dangerous” dog, create a third lesser category of “nuisance” dog, create a process for dog owners to appeal law enforcement’s labeling of their dogs, and place the burden to prove the classification by clear and convincing evidence on the dog warden.

Current Ohio law defines a “vicious dog” as one that, without provocation, has seriously injured a person, killed another dog, or belongs to the general breed of “pit bull.” Such a designation triggers additional liability insurance, restraint, and other requirements, and increases the chances that a “pit bull” could be euthanized if it is picked up on the street.

First Published February 21, 2012, 6:39 p.m.