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County counsel outlines OhioDog Law changes under "Avery's Law" ahead of March implementation
Summary
Clark County chief legal counsel Beau Thompson briefed commissioners on statewide changes to Ohio Dog Law (Avery's Law) taking effect March 20, 2026, including elimination of the "one free bite" standard, new nuisance/dangerous/vicious tiers, and new registration and insurance requirements for dangerous and vicious dogs.
Beau Thompson, Clark County chief legal counsel, told the Board of Clark County Commissioners on Feb. 18 that updates to Ohio dog law (commonly called Avery's Law) take effect March 20, 2026 and shift responsibility to owners to control dogs before a first bite.
"Owners now have a responsibility to control dogs before the first bite," Thompson said, summarizing the statutory change. He described three redefined dog categories: nuisance (lowest tier), dangerous (middle tier), and vicious (highest tier), and said the dog warden will designate dogs within those categories with a 10-day owner appeal window. Thompson noted that a "without provocation" clause remains relevant where a dog responds to teasing, tormenting, abuse, or acts in self-defense.
County Dog Warden Donnie Roberts told the board he will follow up with the auditor's office to confirm registration procedures for dogs designated dangerous or vicious. Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes asked whether courts may order restitution to livestock owners when a dog kills livestock; Thompson said he was not aware of such a provision and would research the matter.
Commission President Sasha L. Rittenhouse said the county will look for ways to publish the new requirements on the Clark County website and social media to notify residents. Next steps: legal staff will confirm procedures for registration and any restitution provisions and the Dog Warden's office will coordinate with the auditor as needed.
