Ohio’s New Dog Bite Law: What Owners and Victims Need to Know
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Ohio, the law is now firmly on your side—more than ever before. Avery’s Law took effect in March 2026, and it fundamentally changes what dog owners are required to do and what victims have the right to demand.
Ohio Protects Dog Bite Victims
Even before Avery’s Law, Ohio was one of the stronger states for dog bite victims. Under Ohio Revised Code § 955.28, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their animals cause. That means you don’t need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner had any prior warning. If you weren’t trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime, the owner is responsible—full stop.
Avery’s Law builds on that foundation and closes the loopholes that let negligent owners escape meaningful consequences.
What the Law Now Requires of Dog Owners
Avery’s Law establishes new classifications for dog behavior, distinguishing between “nuisance,” “dangerous,” and “vicious” dogs based on the severity of their actions. If a dog has been classified as dangerous or vicious, its owner now faces a strict set of requirements:
- Owners of dogs designated as dangerous or vicious must maintain at least $100,000 in liability insurance—meaning there is a clear source of compensation for injuries.
- Dog wardens now have the authority to seize a dog immediately following an unprovoked attack that results in injury—creating a record that strengthens claims.
- Healthcare providers and veterinarians must report dog bites to local health authorities within 24 hours—generating documented evidence that supports your case.
- Courts must now order the euthanasia of dogs that seriously injure or kill someone in an unprovoked attack—holding owners accountable in ways the old law never required.
What to Do If You’ve Been Attacked
The steps you take immediately after a dog attack can make or break your claim. Here’s what matters most:
- Seek emergency medical attention right away and document every injury
- Report the attack to local animal control or police to create an official record
- Identify the dog and its owner—and any witnesses present
- Photograph your injuries over time, including scarring and the healing process
- Contact an attorney before speaking to any insurance company
Insurance adjusters will move quickly to minimize what they owe you. Don’t let them. The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your dog bite claim. When a negligent dog owner’s failure to act leaves you or a loved one permanently scarred, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so I can evaluate your case right away.
