Ohio Senate Unanimously Passes Avery's Law

State Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) today announced that the Ohio Senate unanimously passed House Bill 247 – also known as “Avery’s Law” – legislation that would establish new requirements on vicious dog owners to prevent dog attacks in Ohio.

“House Bill 247 is long overdue legislation that gives our dog wardens the ability to keep our communities safe. Additionally, it provides our prosecutors with the tools necessary to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable,” said Miller.

Key provisions of the bill are as follows: 

• Gives the local dog warden the authority to seize a dog immediately following such an attack;
• Revises the investigation and enforcement requirements for when an authority receives any complaint that indicates a possible violation of any provision of the Dog Law;
• Includes protections for dogs that are defending themselves, their owners, or their property;
• After receiving due process, mandates termination of the dog if it kills or seriously injures a person.

House Bill 247 is named ‘Avery’s Law’ in in honor of Avery Russell, who was severely injured in a dog attack in Reynoldsburg, Ohio in June 2024, when she was 11 years old.

House Bill 247 now goes to the Governor for his signature.