COLUMBUS A new Ohio law named after a Reynoldsburg girl who was mauled by two pit bulls takes effect today, bringing tougher penalties for owners of dangerous and vicious dogs across Ohio including Franklin County.
Avery’s Law, formally known as House Bill 247, was signed into law after Avery Russell of Reynoldsburg spent a month in the hospital following a pit bull attack in June 2024. She was 11 years old. The dogs’ owner, Stephanie Ayers, was fined $450 and sentenced to four days in jail. That outcome outraged Avery’s family and sparked a statewide push for stronger protections.
“She can walk around, walk out of this courthouse and pretend like nothing happened, you know, and just go on business as usual,” Avery’s mother, Drew Russell, said of Ayers. “Avery doesn’t have that honor. She doesn’t get that privilege. Her life is forever changed.”
Avery, now 13, spoke about why she pushed for the law to change.
“I was chosen for this challenge and I know I can make a difference in this world,” she said. “I wanted to see, you know, at a young age what my life’s purpose is.”
Requirements for Owners
Ohio dog owners need to know what changed. Under Avery’s Law, owners of dogs classified as dangerous or vicious must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance. Owners of vicious dogs must also pay a $100 annual registration fee, post warning signs at their home, and have their dog microchipped.
The law also gives authorities the power to seize a dangerous dog immediately. Repeat offenders whose dogs cause serious harm can now face felony charges up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Previously, Ohio law made it difficult to act quickly against dangerous dogs or hold owners significantly accountable after an attack.
Franklin County dog owners should contact the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. to confirm whether their dog has been classified as dangerous or vicious under Ohio law. If a dog has any prior incidents on record, owners should check their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to see if it includes the required $100,000 in liability coverage. If it does not, a separate animal liability policy may be needed.
Dog owners can also review the full text of House Bill 247 at legislature.ohio.gov.
Avery’s Law marks another step in local legislative reform, much like the DeWine’s Final Chapter.
This article is based on reporting from Ohio House Bill 247 legislative records.
Published: March 18, 2026 | ColumbusFrontline.com