(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) “Firearms” means any rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol or any other device manufactured or made for the purpose of propelling a bullet by means of explosive force.
(2) “Bows and arrows” means any device whereby an arrow, dart, or other projectile is directed toward a target by the mechanical release of a string, usually but not necessarily, by pulling of a trigger, attached to a fixed object or bow, or by means of the manual drawing and release of a string attached to a pole or rod known as a bow; or a long bow whereby the manual release and draw of the string is aided by mechanical pulleys or other devices attached to the bow.
(3) “Person” means any natural person, partnership, joint venture, or any corporation organized and existing by virtue of the laws of the State or of any other state.
(b) Prohibitions. No person shall discharge a firearm or bows and arrows within the Municipality unless such discharge shall come within the exclusions listed in divisions (c) and (d) of this section.
(c) Exempted Persons. The provisions of division (b) of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1) A duly constituted law enforcement officer of the Municipality, the County, the State or the United States, acting within the scope of his or her official capacity.
(2) Any resident of the Municipality who is acting in defense of himself or herself, his or her family or any resident member of his or her household.
(d) Exempted Activities. Owners, tenants or bona fide employees of an owner or tenant, or a person with written permission from the owner or tenant, who have secured a written yearly permit from the Police Chief, may fire appropriate firearms or appropriate bows and arrows for the purpose of killing vermin such as rats, foxes, groundhogs, raccoons, skunks and similar other animals which damage property or crops. This exception shall be subject to the limitations imposed by Ohio R.C. Chapter 1533.
(e) Liability. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to relieve any person of any liability which may occur.
(f) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(Ord. 95-13. Passed 3-21-95; Ord. 2014-01. Passed 2-4-14.)