04/01/2026
Dog Owners: What to Know About “Avery’s Law”
A new Ohio law, known as Avery’s Law, took effect on March 20, 2026. This legislation updates Ohio’s dangerous dog laws and places stronger responsibility on owners to safely manage their dogs. The goal of the law is to improve public safety while encouraging responsible dog ownership.
Key Things Dog Owners Should Know…
Owners are responsible for preventing attacks. If a dog attacks without provocation and injures or kills a person, the owner may face criminal charges for failing to control the dog.
Dog wardens have more authority after attacks and may seize and impound a dog involved in a serious attack while the incident is scheduled for a court hearing.
Dogs designated as nuisance, dangerous or vicious have stricter penalties for subsequent dog registration or confinement violations. Owners of such dogs face civil and/or criminal penalties for failing to register or properly confine and control their dog.
• Dogs designated as dangerous or vicious have stricter requirements. Owners of such dogs must follow additional requirements, including special registration and strict confinement rules. Owners must also carry liability insurance.
• Serious attacks can result in euthanasia. If a dog kills or seriously injures a person, and the court determines the attack was unprovoked, the law requires the dog must be euthanized.
• Dogs defending themselves, their owners, or their property are protected. Dogs acting in a playful and/or age appropriate manner are also protected. The law does protect dogs that act in legitimate defense.
• The best way to stay within the law and keep your pet and community safe is to be a responsible owner. That means…
• Keep your dog properly confined and on a leash when out in public
• Properly socialize and train your dog
• Address behavior concerns early, before they become a major issue
• Supervise interactions with children and other pets• Maintain proper dog licensing and identification
Responsible ownership helps prevent incidents that put people and other pets at risk.