COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new Ohio law aimed at preventing dog attacks and strengthening accountability for owners of dangerous dogs will take effect later this month.
Gov. Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 247, also known as Avery's Law, which updates the state's regulations on dangerous and vicious dogs. The law takes effect March 18.
State Rep. Kevin Miller, R-Newark, who sponsored the bill, said the legislation is intended to strengthen Ohio's outdated dog laws and give authorities more tools to protect communities.
The legislation updates Ohio's outdated and inadequate dangerous and vicious dog laws, Miller said in a statement. It gives our dog wardens the tools needed to keep communities safe and holds irresponsible dog owners accountable when they fail to contain dangerous animals.
Under the new law, dog owners can face criminal penalties if they negligently fail to prevent their dog from attacking someone without provocation.
The law also allows local dog wardens to immediately seize a dog following an attack and updates how authorities investigate and enforce complaints involving potential violations of Ohio's dog laws.
In cases where a dog kills or seriously injures a person, the law requires the dog to be euthanized after due process. The law also includes protections for dogs acting in defense of themselves, their owners or their property.
The measure is named after Avery Russell, who was severely injured in a dog attack in Reynoldsburg in June 2024 when she was 11.
Expanded definition of dangerous dogs
Animal shelters and dog pounds say the law will also change how certain incidents involving dogs are handled.
According to the Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers, the definition of a dangerous dog will expand under the new law. In some cases, a dog may now be designated dangerous even if it has not bitten someone.
Serious injury to a person, the serious injury or death of another dog, repeated nuisance violations or other incidents could lead to legal consequences.
Some violations are also considered strict liability, meaning a dog owner's intent or a lack of prior history may not affect the outcome.
Increased responsibility for caretakers
The law may also expand responsibility beyond the dog's owner.
According to the Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers, liability could apply not only to owners but also to anyone considered a keeper or harborer of a dog. That could include animal shelters, boarding facilities, groomers, trainers and even members of the public who temporarily care for a dog, such as someone holding onto a stray.
For pet owners, shelters say the law highlights the importance of properly securing dogs, maintaining required licensing and informing service providers about a dog's past behavior.
Officials note that even a single serious, unprovoked incident could have major legal consequences under the updated law.
Changes expected at shelters
Animal shelters say the law will also affect their intake procedures.
The Harrison County Dog Pound said residents bringing in a stray dog or surrendering a pet may be asked more detailed questions about the animal's behavior and history.
Shelter staff may also require written documentation of responses, signatures acknowledging disclosures and a valid photo ID when surrendering a dog or reporting a stray.
Shelter officials say these steps are meant to protect staff, volunteers, adopters and the community while ensuring responsible placements.
If a shelter determines a dog is unsafe to adopt out, officials say those decisions may be based on liability concerns and public safety.
The Harrison County Dog Pound said it has long avoided placing dogs with known bite histories or dogs that cannot safely live with other animals, and those guidelines will remain in place once the new law takes effect.
Shelter volunteers say their goal remains the same: encouraging responsible pet ownership while ensuring safe outcomes for both people and animals.