Ohio will begin enforcing Avery’s Law on March 20, strengthening penalties for owners of dangerous dogs. The law is named after Avery Russell, who was nearly killed in a 2024 dog attack at age 11.

The legislation creates criminal penalties for owners whose dogs commit unprovoked attacks and gives county dog wardens expanded authority to confiscate aggressive dogs. In cases of serious injury, a court may also order the dog to be euthanized.

The law also requires owners of dogs labeled dangerous or vicious to carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance. It includes protections for dogs acting in self-defense or defending their owners or property.

hometownstations.com