Ohio Enacts Sweeping Changes to Dangerous Dog Law

New "Avery's Law" requires euthanasia for dogs that seriously injure or kill humans in unprovoked attacks

Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:48am

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Ohio has enacted a new law, dubbed "Avery's Law", that makes significant changes to the state's dangerous dog regulations. The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine, requires the euthanasia of dogs that seriously injure or kill a human in an unprovoked attack. It also authorizes wardens to immediately impound dogs involved in attacks. The law is named after 13-year-old Avery Russell, who was severely mauled by two pit bulls during a 2024 incident in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Why it matters

The new law aims to address weaknesses in Ohio's previous dangerous dog statutes, which critics said failed to hold owners accountable and left victims with devastating injuries and medical bills. The 2024 attack on Avery Russell highlighted these issues, leading to the legislative changes.

The details

Avery's Law requires the euthanasia of dogs that seriously injure or kill a human in an unprovoked attack. It also gives wardens the authority to immediately impound dogs involved in attacks. The law was signed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2025, nine months after a major newspaper investigation exposed flaws in Ohio's previous dangerous dog laws.

  • Avery's Law was signed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2025.
  • The new law takes effect on March 20, 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who signed Avery's Law.

Avery Russell

A 13-year-old girl who was severely mauled by two pit bulls during a 2024 incident in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, leading to the new law being named after her.

Jessica Henry

The friend's mom who tried to intervene during the 2024 attack on Avery Russell and also suffered serious injuries.

Stephanie Ayers

The owner of the two pit bulls involved in the 2024 attack on Avery Russell, who was convicted of failure to register and control her dogs.

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What’s next

The new law will go into effect on March 20, 2026, requiring dog owners in Ohio to be aware of the changes.

The takeaway

Avery's Law represents a significant overhaul of Ohio's dangerous dog regulations, aiming to hold owners more accountable and better protect the public from serious dog attacks. The law's enactment follows a high-profile mauling incident that exposed weaknesses in the state's previous statutes.