ASHVILLE, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week 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 would 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“This legislation updates Ohio’s outdated and inadequate dangerous and vicious dog laws,” said State Rep.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.
House Bill 247 is scheduled to take effect on March 18, 2026.
