Rep. Melanie Miller Votes in Support of Avery's Law

State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) today voted in support of House Bill 247 – also known as “Avery’s Law” – legislation that would establish new requirements on vicious dog owners to prevent dog attacks. 

“Avery’s Law keeps our communities safe by holding dog owners accountable if their dog commits a dangerous, unprovoked attack,” said Miller. “Implementing these criminal penalties is an important step toward preventing future tragedies.” 

Key provisions of the bill are as follows: 

• Imposes criminal penalties on a dog owner if he or she negligently fails to keep their dog from committing, without provocation, an attack; 
• Gives the local dog warden the authority to seize a dog immediately following such an attack; 
• Revises the investigation and enforcement requirements for when an authority receives any complaint that indicates a possible violation of any provision of the Dog Law; 
• Includes protections for dogs that are defending themselves, their owners, or their property; and 
• After receiving due process, mandates termination of the dog if it kills or seriously injures a person. 

House Bill 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. 

House Bill 247 now goes to the Senate for further consideration.