04/07/2026
There is a new Ohio law that just went into effect that every dog owner must be aware of the details of. It’s called Avery’s Law. Dog ownership just became an even bigger responsibility for those who have brought a puppy or adult dog into their home / life.
In my opinion, most dog aggression can be prevented by what owners do or don’t do BEFORE 16 weeks of age and then being consistent thereafter with clear rules, behavioral boundaries and good training.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KsaiGVYgc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A new law in Ohio is now in effect-- and it’s changing how dog attacks are handled across the state.
It’s called Avery’s Law, named after a child who was severely injured in a 2024 dog attack. The law was signed in December 2025 and took effect March 20, 2026.
👉 What it does:
Avery’s Law expands both civil and criminal liability... meaning responsibility doesn’t just fall on the dog’s owner.
It can also apply to:
• Shelters
• Groomers & trainers
• Boarding facilities
• Anyone considered a “keeper” or “harborer” (even someone temporarily watching a dog)
👉 New classifications for dogs:
• Nuisance Dog
• Dangerous Dog
• Vicious Dog
These categories now come with stricter definitions and penalties, including cases where a dog causes injury without even making physical contact.
👉 What counts as “serious injury”?
• Risk of death
• Permanent disfigurement
• Long-term or severe pain
• Temporary or permanent loss of function
👉 Major changes under the law:
• Owners (and others) can face criminal charges even for a first-time incident
• Charges range from misdemeanors to felonies in severe cases
• Strict liability laws mean you can be charged even if you didn’t intend for anything to happen
• If a dog seriously injures or kills someone -- a court must order euthanasia!
👉 New requirements for dangerous/vicious dogs:
• At least $100,000 in liability insurance
• Secure confinement and proper fencing
• Registration, microchipping, and signage
• Must be restrained with a leash or muzzle outside confinement
👉 Why shelters are concerned:
This law could make it harder to take in or adopt out certain animals - especially those with unknown or behavioral histories.
🗣️ “Shelters across the state of Ohio are going to be faced with these very, very tough challenges… deciding what they’re going to do with that animal…”
🗣️ “There very well could be an uptick in euthanasia.”
Shelters say even one incident — especially in a stressful environment — could permanently affect a dog’s future.
🗣️ “That animal can bite and it may not normally do that because of the high stress level.”
And liability doesn’t stop after adoption.
🗣️ “They can hold everyone liable who has had a hand in raising that dog.”
👉 What this means moving forward:
• Documentation of a dog’s behavior is now critical
• Shelters and rescues may become more cautious about intake
• Dogs with unknown histories may be considered higher risk
• Adopters may face new insurance challenges
But shelters stress------- not all dogs should be feared.
🗣️ “I don’t want people to be discouraged from adopting because there are so many animals that are so full of love.”
📌 Bottom line:
Avery’s Law is designed to improve public safety, but it also brings major changes to how dogs are handled, adopted, and cared for across Ohio.
I’ll have the full story tonight on WTOV NEWS9
