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A dog mauling in Hamilton sent a 72-year-old woman into emergency surgery. This case spotlights a growing concern as Ohio enacts a law increasing accountability for dangerous dogs.
Known as Avery’s Law, the legislation officially took effect in March. It fundamentally changes who can be held responsible when a dog attacks. And it doesn’t stop at owners. The law creates new legal pressures for shelters, trainers, and even temporary caretakers across the state.
What Is Avery’s Law, and Who Can Be Held Liable?
Avery’s Law passed with bipartisan support to close gaps in Ohio’s previous statutes. Its main goal is to broaden who is legally responsible for a dog’s actions.
Previously, liability mostly fell on the dog’s legal owner. The new law extends that responsibility to any person or entity considered a “keeper” or “harborer” of a dog. This expansion builds on Ohio’s strict liability framework, which already holds responsible parties liable for damages without the victim needing to prove the dog had a known history of aggression.
Parties Facing Expanded Liability
Under Avery’s Law, legal responsibility for a dog attack can now reach a much wider group. The goal is to ensure accountability at every stage of a dog’s life, especially when an animal with a troubled history is transferred. Here’s who now qualifies as a “keeper” or “harborer”:
- Animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Dog trainers, groomers, and veterinarians
- Boarding kennels and doggy daycare facilities
- Temporary caretakers, including pet sitters or friends watching the animal
Harsher Penalties and Immediate Enforcement
Avery’s Law gives authorities stronger intervention tools after an attack, with the biggest change being a new immediate seizure protocol.
Dog wardens can now seize and impound a dog immediately after a serious attack. The law also requires euthanasia in extreme cases where a dog seriously injures or kills someone, aiming to prevent repeat attacks.
Owners of dogs already labeled “vicious” must now carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 to ensure compensation for victims.
Ohio Dog Laws: Before and After
| Feature | Previous Law | Avery’s Law |
|---|---|---|
| Liability scope | Focused on the dog’s legal “owner” | Includes “keepers” and “harborers” (shelters, trainers, etc.) |
| Post-attack seizure | More limited; could involve delays | Dog wardens can seize immediately after a serious attack |
| Euthanasia protocol | Case-by-case, often after lengthy court proceedings | Mandatory when a dog kills or causes serious injury |
| Insurance requirement | Not consistently mandated | Minimum $100,000 liability policy for “vicious” dogs |
The Impact on Ohio’s Overwhelmed Shelters
Supporters say the law improves public safety, but animal shelters voice concern. Many already face crowding and tight budgets, and now must handle increased legal and financial risks.
Expanded liability has made shelters more cautious. The law could increase euthanasia decisions, as shelters must now weigh the risk of adopting out animals with unknown or aggressive histories.
Facilities like the Holmes County adoption center are updating intake forms and liability procedures to reduce legal risks. The law’s full impact on shelters and adoptions is uncertain, but immediate pressure on these organizations is significant.