03/03/2026
Owners please read! Updated state laws for pet owners and what now legally deems a “dangerous dog”
**OHIO DOG OWNERS**
Avery's Law (Ohio House Bill 247), becomes effective March 18, 2026. This new law brings quite a few changes. So much so, the organizations that will be enforcing these laws are still unclear of all implications / possibilities. This means that what happens in following months / 2026 will shape how this law is enforced through common law. Which is why it is important that all dog owners / dog service providers be educated on the law and take extra care to protect their dogs and themselves.
Changes to Dog Law
1 - Dogs can be designated as Dangerous without physical contact in some situations. Injury caused in a "menacing fashion" (e.g., if a dog chases after someone and the person is injured when attempting to flee).
2 - Avery's Law places a heavy emphasis on attacks against other pets. A dog can be deemed dangerous if it: Kills another dog or seriously injures another dog to the point where a veterinarian determines the injured dog must be euthanized. (Unclear on if this includes owners that decline medical treatment, and are then presented euthanasia as an option)
3. Repeated "Nuisance" Behavior : A dog doesn't always have to bite to be labeled dangerous. If an owner is cited three or more times for "Nuisance Dog" violations (Repeatedly running at large (loose) and menacing neighbors), the dog can be escalated to "Dangerous" status.
If a dog is officially designated as "dangerous," it moves from being a regular pet to a "high-risk" legal entity.
4. Immediate Seizure: Dog wardens now have the authority to seize a dog immediately following an attack.
5. Discretionary Euthanasia (The Court Can Order It)
As part of a criminal proceeding against an owner, a judge has the authority to order a dog euthanized if it is found to have committed less severe—but still dangerous—acts:
Dangerous Dog Acts: If the dog injured a person (but not "seriously") or killed another dog.
Attempted Attacks: If the dog attempted to bite a person and caused an injury during the attempt (like knocking someone over).
Injury to Other Dogs: If the dog caused serious injury to another dog that already resulted in that second dog being euthanized.
Outside of attack-related euthanasia, if a warden seizes a dog that is not wearing a license tag, they must hold it for 3 days. If the owner does not claim the dog and pay the registration/impound fees within that 72-hour window, the warden then has the legal authority to euthanize the dog or put it up for adoption. (Even if they have been in contact with the owner who has expressed they want the dog returned, it is up to the warden if an exception will be made)
6. Criminal Charges: Owners can face criminal penalties (ranging from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies) if they negligently fail to prevent an unprovoked attack.
Because "Avery's Law" (HB 247) targets the harborer and keeper of a dog as much as the owner, anyone professionally handling a dog may now be legally responsible for the animal's behavior and the owner's compliance.
7. Mandatory Disclosure Rules
The most direct impact on businesses is a new legal requirement for transparency:
Owner Obligation: Owners are now legally required to disclose if their dog has been designated as "dangerous" or "vicious" to anyone providing services.
The Penalty: Failure to disclose this status to a service provider is a minor misdemeanor.
Having these signed questions on your intake form is your best defense against negligence claims.
"Has the dog ever bitten a person? If yes, please describe the incident."
"Has the dog ever seriously injured or killed a person?"
"Has the dog ever chased or attempted to attack or bite a person or another dog?"
"Has the dog ever killed another dog or caused an injury to a dog that resulted in its death or euthanasia?"
8. The "Keeper and Harborer" Liability Trap
In Ohio law, a "keeper" or "harborer" (someone who has temporary control or possession of a dog) is held to the same strict liability standards as the owner.
Vicarious Responsibility: If you are boarding a "dangerous" dog and it escapes your facility, you (the business) can now face the enhanced criminal penalties established by Avery's Law.
Insurance Mandates: While the law requires owners to carry $100,000 in liability insurance, pet businesses should update their own policies to ensure they are covered for handling dogs with these specific legal designations.
Transfer Rules: If a shelter or rescue sells or transfers a dog, they must provide a written form to the new owner detailing the dog’s behavior and known propensities.
Even if your dog is not designated as "dangerous" or "vicious," Ohio law still strictly requires them to wear a license tag at all times.
Strict Liability: Under Avery’s Law, certain violations are now strict liability offenses. This means if the dog bites someone while in your care, "I didn't know he would do that" is no longer a valid legal defense to avoid citations.
Mandatory reporting: Veterinarians (and healthcare providers) are now legally required to report dog bites to the local health commissioner within 24 hours. This will likely lead to more "dangerous dog" designations being triggered during routine vet visits or post-incident care.
There are still many unanswered questions and uncertainty as to how this law will affect dog owners and dog businesses. While on its face, this law aims to protect the public from dangerous dogs and negligent owners, it also raises the risk for responsible pet owners who could be caught in the crosshairs.
The Risk:
Under the previous law, a dog usually had to have a documented "history" or "propensity" for violence before the most extreme penalties kicked in.
Avery’s Law removes the "free bite" or history requirement. If a dog causes "serious injury" to a person even once, the court is mandated to order the dog to be humanely destroyed. There is very little judicial discretion left for freak accidents or cases where a normally gentle dog was under extreme stress.
If your dog gets loose due to a "negligent" failure (like a gate left unlatched by a delivery driver) and it causes an injury, you can now face felony charges and significant jail time. Responsible owners worry that "negligence" can be interpreted broadly, turning a tragic accident into a criminal record.
Many standard homeowners’ insurance policies explicitly exclude certain breeds or dogs with a "dangerous" history. A responsible owner who wants to follow the law may find themselves unable to find an affordable policy or could even face a non-renewal of their entire home insurance, effectively making it impossible to keep their pet legally.
This bypasses the period where an owner could previously keep the dog at home during an investigation. For a responsible owner, this means their pet is held in a high-stress shelter environment for weeks or months while the legal process plays out, even if the owner is ultimately found not at fault. Yes, you will be billed for boarding and required to pay before receiving the dog.
** Information was pulled from public sources, and is still very new information. Please do your own research**
