Phil Plummer | The Ohio House of Representatives
Phil Plummer | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representative Phil Plummer, a Republican from Dayton, has cast his vote in favor of House Bill 247, also known as "Avery's Law." This legislation aims to establish new requirements for owners of vicious dogs to prevent attacks.
"H.B. 247 is the first step to revising our current dog laws," said Plummer. "It will hold dog owners accountable who fail to keep their dog from committing the following acts without provocation: nuisance, dangerous and vicious."
The bill introduces several key provisions:
- It imposes criminal penalties on a dog owner if they negligently fail to prevent their dog from attacking without provocation.
- It grants local dog wardens the authority to seize a dog immediately after such an attack.
- It revises investigation and enforcement requirements when authorities receive complaints indicating possible violations of any provision of the Dog Law.
- It includes protections for dogs defending themselves, their owners, or their property.
- After due process, it mandates termination of the dog if it kills or seriously injures a person.
House Bill 247 is named in honor of Avery Russell, who was severely injured in a dog attack in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in June 2024 at the age of 11.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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