03/19/2026
Teamwork K9 wants to make sure all of our followers are aware of the new law effecting all dog owners. Please share so that all dog owners can take the necessary steps to not only keep the public safe, but their pet safe as well.
Avery's Law (Ohio House Bill 247) goes into effect on March 18, 2026, strengthening penalties for owners of dangerous dogs after a serious 2024 attack. It increases penalties for negligent owners, mandates minimum jail time for certain offenses, and allows for immediate seizure of dogs that cause serious injury or death.
Ohio House of Representatives (.gov)
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Key Provisions of Avery's Law
• Stricter Penalties: The law changes the minimum jail time for a severe dog attack from previous standards to a mandatory minimum, aiming for higher accountability, including potential six-month minimums for severe violations.
• Immediate Seizure: Animal control officers and dog wardens have enhanced authority to immediately seize a dog following an attack.
• Mandatory Euthanasia: If a dog kills or seriously injures a person, the law mandates humane euthanasia after a due process hearing.
• Definition of Danger: It clarifies "vicious" and "dangerous" dog definitions to make it easier for authorities to act before a life-threatening incident occurs.
• Negligent Owner Accountability:Owners who fail to secure their dogs can face criminal charges.
• Ohio House of Representatives (.gov)
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Background and Purpose
Avery's Law is named after 12-year-old Avery Russell, who was severely attacked by two dogs in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in June 2024, suffering severe injuries. The law seeks to address gaps in Ohio's existing dog laws, which often failed to hold owners accountable until multiple incidents occurred.
