Avery's Law proposes comprehensive amendments to the Revised Code concerning the regulation of dogs, particularly focusing on dangerous and vicious dogs. The bill introduces new definitions for "vicious dog," "dangerous dog," and "nuisance dog," which are determined based on prior behavior and court findings. It repeals several existing sections related to dog regulation and enacts new sections that outline the responsibilities of dog owners, including registration requirements and security procedures for electronic records. Key changes include the amendment of sections governing document filings, ensuring electronic filings hold the same legal weight as paper filings, and clarifying dog classifications to aid in enforcement and public safety.

The bill also establishes new requirements for dog registration, particularly for spayed or neutered dogs and dangerous or vicious dogs, allowing county commissioners to set higher fees for unaltered dogs. It mandates that owners register their pets with the county auditor, submit proof of rabies vaccination, and microchip their dogs. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for failing to register dogs, classifying such violations as strict liability offenses. It enhances the responsibilities of dog wardens and law enforcement agencies, outlines the treatment of dogs in shelters, and establishes penalties for the reckless destruction of dogs. Overall, the legislation aims to improve dog ownership regulation, enhance public safety, and ensure responsible management of dangerous animals in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 304.02, 304.03, 715.23, 901.80, 935.03, 955.01, 955.011, 955.012, 955.02, 955.03, 955.04, 955.05, 955.06, 955.07, 955.10, 955.11, 955.12, 955.121, 955.14, 955.16, 955.20, 955.22, 955.221, 955.222, 955.26, 955.261, 955.40, 955.43, 955.44, 955.50, 955.54, 959.132, 1533.12, 1901.18, 1907.031, 2913.01, 2921.321, 955.021, 955.022, 955.013, 955.023, 955.09, 955.08, 955.24, 955.23, 955.262, 955.21, 955.25, 955.39, 955.51, 955.52, 955.53, 955.99
As Reported By House Committee: 304.02, 304.03, 715.23, 901.80, 935.03, 955.01, 955.011, 955.012, 955.02, 955.03, 955.04, 955.05, 955.06, 955.07, 955.10, 955.11, 955.12, 955.121, 955.14, 955.16, 955.20, 955.22, 955.221, 955.222, 955.26, 955.261, 955.40, 955.43, 955.44, 955.50, 955.54, 959.132, 1533.12, 1901.18, 1907.031, 2913.01, 2921.321, 955.021, 955.022, 955.013, 955.023, 955.09, 955.08, 955.24, 955.23, 955.262, 955.21, 955.25, 955.39, 955.51, 955.52, 955.53, 955.99
As Passed By House: 304.02, 304.03, 715.23, 901.80, 935.03, 955.01, 955.011, 955.012, 955.02, 955.03, 955.04, 955.05, 955.06, 955.07, 955.10, 955.11, 955.12, 955.121, 955.14, 955.16, 955.20, 955.22, 955.221, 955.222, 955.26, 955.261, 955.40, 955.43, 955.44, 955.50, 955.54, 959.132, 1533.12, 1901.18, 1907.031, 2913.01, 2921.321, 955.021, 955.022, 955.013, 955.023, 955.09, 955.08, 955.24, 955.23, 955.262, 955.21, 955.25, 955.39, 955.51, 955.52, 955.53, 955.99