County legal counsel outlines changes under Avery’s Law, urges administrative planning

Beau Thompson, Clark County chief legal counsel, told the Board of Clark County Commissioners on Feb. 18 that Ohio’s recently revised dog laws (commonly called Avery’s Law) take effect March 20, 2026 and remove the prior 'one free bite' approach, placing greater onus on owners to control animals before a first bite occurs.

Thompson said the statute creates three tiers for dogs—nuisance, dangerous and vicious—with the dog warden authorized to designate an animal’s tier and owners given 10 days to appeal. He said courts may still consider a dog’s provocation—'without provocation' remains a required factor where a dog responds to teasing, tormenting, abuse, self-defense or a puppy playing and accidentally harming someone.

Donnie Roberts, Clark County dog warden, told commissioners he will follow up with the County Auditor’s office to ensure any court-directed designations are reflected in county records. Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes asked whether courts may require owners to reimburse livestock owners when a dog kills livestock; Thompson said he is not aware of a restitution provision and will research the question.

Commission President Sasha L. Rittenhouse said county staff will post summaries of the changes on the county website and promote them on social media to inform residents. Thompson also noted the new law includes registration and insurance requirements for dogs designated dangerous or vicious and that, in some cases, courts may order humane destruction of animals that commit severe dangerous or vicious acts.

The presentation concluded with commissioners discussing operational impacts; Thompson and the dog warden committed to follow up on record-sharing and restitution questions so staff can clarify enforcement steps.