Widely known as Avery’s Law, updated legislation was signed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2025 and is now in effect as of Wednesday.
The law is named in honor of Avery Russell, an 11‑year‑old girl from Reynoldsburg who was severely injured in a dog attack in June 2024.
Russell’s attack left her with severe injuries, sparking a push from her family and local advocates for stricter oversight of dangerous dogs.
Lawmakers said the prior statutes often lacked meaningful penalties and enforcement authority, leaving communities vulnerable to repeat incidents.
Governor DeWine emphasized that Avery’s Law balances public safety with responsible pet ownership, noting that dogs that are acting defensively or protecting their owners are not unfairly penalized under the new rules.
House Bill 247 makes broad revisions to Ohio’s dog laws, targeting gaps in how dangerous and vicious dogs are regulated and how owners are held accountable.
Key provisions include:
- Expanded authority for local dog wardens: Wardens can now seize a dog immediately following an unprovoked attack that injures a person.
- Criminal penalties for negligent owners: Owners who fail to prevent their dogs from unprovoked attacks can face criminal charges.
- Mandatory euthanasia in severe cases: If a dog kills or seriously injures a person, the law requires humane euthanasia after due process, ensuring dangerous animals are removed from the community.
- Protections for legitimate self‑defense: Dogs acting in defense of themselves, their owners, or their property cannot be labeled dangerous or vicious solely for defensive behavior.
- Revised investigation and enforcement procedures: The bill updates how complaints about dangerous dogs are handled, aiming for more effective enforcement.
Rep. Kevin Miller (R‑Newark), who sponsored the bill, said, “The legislation updates Ohio’s outdated and inadequate dangerous/vicious dog laws. It gives our dog wardens the tools needed to keep our communities safe and holds irresponsible dog owners accountable when they fail to contain these dangerous animals.”
Supporters say the law will not only improve safety but also ensure victims of dog attacks receive proper accountability for owners whose negligence puts others at risk.
