ASHVILLE, Ohio — People say that laws don’t change until “someone dies.” Well, in Ohio, that’s exactly what happened. To several people, now the law is changing to help officials against pets and their owners.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 247, known as “Avery’s Law,” legislation aimed at preventing dangerous dog attacks across the state. The new law follows several high-profile incidents, including the deadly dog attack in Ashville that claimed the life of 73-year-old JoAnn Echelbarger last year.
The Ashville case drew statewide attention after investigators revealed a long history of problems involving two pit bulls, Apollo and Echo, owned by the Withers family. Records show the community had raised concerns about the dogs dating back to 2015. Among the documented incidents was a March 2023 attack in which Echo bit a person while running loose, and an October 26 incident in which Apollo attacked and killed another dog. Despite repeated issues, the dogs remained in the community until the fatal attack.
Supporters of House Bill 247 say the new law will give local officials stronger authority to intervene before tragedy strikes.
“This legislation updates Ohio’s outdated and inadequate dangerous and vicious dog laws,” said State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark), the bill’s sponsor. “It gives our dog wardens the tools needed to keep our communities safe and holds irresponsible dog owners accountable when they fail to contain these dangerous animals.”
Under Avery’s Law, the state will:
- Impose criminal penalties on dog owners who negligently fail to prevent unprovoked attacks
- Grant local dog wardens authority to immediately seize a dog following an attack
- Strengthen investigation and enforcement requirements when complaints are received
- Protect dogs that are defending themselves, their owners, or their property
- Require, after due process, the euthanasia of dogs that kill or seriously injure a person
The law is named in honor of Avery Russell, who was 11 years old when she was severely injured in a dog attack in Reynoldsburg in June 2024.
Advocates say the legislation could help prevent tragedies like the Ashville attack by giving judges and dog wardens more enforcement power and clearer standards for removing dangerous animals from neighborhoods.
BY THE NUMBERS
In Ohio, healthcare providers and veterinarians are legally required to report dog bites to the local health commissioner within 24 hours to monitor for rabies.
- Annual Average: Ohio typically sees between 10,000 and 12,000 reported dog bites per year.
- Serious Injuries: Of those, roughly 15% to 20% require emergency room visits or specialized medical treatment (reconstructive surgery, infection control).
- The “Unreported” Gap: Experts estimate that for every reported bite, at least three go unreported because they occur between family members or the injury is considered minor.
2. Fatalities (National & State Ranking)
Ohio consistently ranks in the top 10 states for fatal dog attacks.
- 2024–2025 Statistics: Ohio averaged 2 to 4 fatalities per year over the last 24 months.
- Demographics: Nationally and locally, children under the age of 10 and seniors over 75 remain the most frequent victims of fatal attacks.
3. Insurance Claims (The Cost of Attacks)
This is where Ohio really stands out. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Ohio is a “high-claim” state.
- National Ranking: Ohio often ranks #5 or #6 in the U.S. for the number of dog bite-related insurance claims.
- Total Cost: In 2024, Ohio insurance companies paid out over $35 million in dog bite claims.
- Average Cost Per Claim: The average cost of a dog bite claim in Ohio has risen to approximately $55,000, driven by rising medical costs and legal settlements.
House Bill 247 is scheduled to take effect on March 18, 2026.
