Dog warden says new 'Avery’s Law' will allow immediate detentions and could strain Carroll County pound

Merle Long, Carroll County Dog Warden, briefed the Board of Commissioners on House Bill 247—known locally as Avery’s Law—during the March 23, 2026 meeting.

Long said the law, signed by the Governor in December and effective March 20, 2026, amends Ohio Revised Code Chapter 955 to broaden what constitutes a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dog and increases penalties for owners who negligently fail to keep dogs from committing such acts. Under the statute, he said, animal control officers can seize and detain dogs when the community fears for safety and may hold animals for a ten-day period while municipal court proceedings address dangerous or vicious designations.

Long told commissioners the law permits destruction of a dog that has killed or caused serious injury to a person after due process, and also allows the warden to seek restitution from an owner if the dog is adjudicated vicious. He cautioned that exercising the new detention powers could place a strain on the county’s dog pound.

Vice President Robert E. Wirkner asked whether the warden has discretion to detain animals; Long said the statute requires seizure when the community’s safety is at risk but that owners may appeal designations and must provide evidence if they contend their animal was wrongfully taken. President Christopher R. Modranski asked who decides immediate seizure; Long said he would make that decision in the field.

The board did not take a formal vote on policy changes during the meeting; Long’s remarks were presented as an informational update.