Mansfield Times

State Representative Melanie Miller, representing Ashland, has cast her vote in favor of House Bill 247, known as "Avery's Law." This legislation introduces new regulations for owners of vicious dogs to prevent attacks.

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

The bill includes several key measures: it imposes criminal penalties on dog owners who negligently allow their dogs to attack without provocation, authorizes local dog wardens to seize dogs immediately after such incidents, and revises investigation and enforcement protocols when potential violations of the Dog Law are reported. It also provides protections for dogs defending themselves or their property and mandates the termination of a dog that kills or seriously injures a person after due process.

House Bill 247 is named in honor of Avery Russell, who was severely injured in a dog attack in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in June 2024 at the age of 11.

The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.