Rep. Thomas Celebrates Avery's Law Bill Signed into Law

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today celebrates Governor DeWine’s signing of House Bill (HB) 247, Avery’s Law, alongside State Reps. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg) and Kevin Miller (R-Newark). 

“Having begun this bill with Rep. Lawson-Rowe and seeing it signed into law today, I am beyond grateful for the impact I know this legislation will have,” said Rep. Thomas. “Avery’s Law is about accountability, public safety, and preventing families from experiencing the kind of tragedy that led us here. This bill will save lives.”

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Updated Dog Classifications: Redefines “nuisance,” “dangerous,” and “vicious” dogs for clearer enforcement.
• Authority to Seize: Grants local dog wardens the authority to seize a dog immediately following an attack.
• Investigation & Enforcement: Revises procedures for investigating and enforcing complaints that suggest violations of the Dog Law.
• Protections for Defending Dogs: Includes protections for dogs defending themselves, their owners, or their property.
• Complaint & Attack Notification: Requires 24-hour reporting of attacks and annual submission of attack data to the Department of Health.

HB 247 is named Avery’s Law 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.