Avery's Law in Bedford, Ohio: What the New Dog Bite Rules Mean for You
A single dog attack can change a family forever in minutes. Ohio has watched too many of these tragedies unfold, which is why the state legislature recently passed House Bill 247, widely known as Avery's Law. For residents of Bedford, Ohio, and throughout Cuyahoga County, this new legislation represents a significant shift in how dangerous dogs and negligent owners are handled by law enforcement.
Set to take effect on March 18, 2026, Avery's Law introduces stricter criminal penalties and gives local authorities more power to intervene after an attack. However, if you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Bedford, it is crucial to understand that your civil rights to seek compensation remain as strong as ever. Here is a detailed breakdown of what Avery's Law changes, what it does not change, and how it impacts dog bite victims in our community.
What is Avery's Law?
Avery's Law was named in honor of Avery Russell, an 11-year-old girl who suffered catastrophic injuries in a severe dog attack in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in June 2024. The tragic incident highlighted significant loopholes in Ohio's existing dangerous dog statutes, prompting lawmakers to take decisive action. The resulting legislation, House Bill 247, received powerful bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2025.
The primary goal of Avery's Law is to prevent future tragedies by focusing on early intervention and holding negligent dog owners accountable. Before this law, authorities often struggled to take meaningful action against dangerous dogs until multiple severe incidents had occurred. Now, the legal framework provides law enforcement and animal control officers with the tools they need to protect neighborhoods like those near the Bedford Reservation and Viaduct Park.
Key Changes for Bedford Dog Owners
Avery's Law introduces several critical updates to Ohio's dog laws that directly affect residents of Bedford. First and foremost, it imposes criminal penalties on dog owners who negligently fail to prevent an unprovoked attack by a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dog. This means that if an owner ignores warning signs or fails to secure their animal properly, they can face serious criminal charges, not just civil liability.
Additionally, the law grants local dog wardens the authority to seize a dog immediately following a severe attack. This immediate seizure removes the threat from the community while the investigation proceeds. Furthermore, if a dog kills or seriously injures a person, the court is now mandated to order humane euthanasia after due process. These changes ensure that aggressive dogs are not returned to the streets to cause further harm.
How Strict Liability Protects Victims
While Avery's Law significantly strengthens the criminal consequences for negligent dog owners, it is vital for victims to know that their civil rights remain unchanged. Ohio has long been a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, and this powerful protection is still fully in effect. You do not need to prove that the owner was criminally negligent under Avery's Law to win a civil claim for dog bite compensation.
Under strict liability, the focus is on the fact that the injury occurred, rather than the owner's prior knowledge of the dog's aggression. As long as you were not trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the animal, the owner is legally responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This means that even if it was the dog's first time biting someone, you have the right to pursue a claim.
Ohio Revised Code § 955.28
"The owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog..."
In Bedford, this means a dog owner cannot escape liability by claiming they didn't know their dog was dangerous. Avery's Law adds criminal penalties, but this strict liability statute remains the foundation of your civil case. Learn more about Ohio's strict liability dog bite law.
Bedford Dog Bite Resources
If you are attacked by a dog in Bedford, taking immediate action is crucial for both your health and your legal claim. After seeking emergency medical care, you should report the incident to local authorities. This creates an official record that will be essential when pursuing your case. Here are the key local resources you may need:
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Local Court Bedford Municipal Court (handles local ordinance violations and smaller civil claims)
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Filing Deadline Up to 6 years for strict liability claims in Ohio
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Animal Control Bedford Police Department / Animal Warden: (440) 232-1234
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Health Department Cuyahoga County Board of Health (All bites must be reported within 24 hours)
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Nearest Emergency Room Marymount Hospital (Garfield Heights) or UH Ahuja Medical Center (Beachwood)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avery's Law mean I have to press criminal charges to get compensation?
No. Criminal charges under Avery's Law are handled by the local prosecutor and law enforcement. Your civil claim for compensation is entirely separate. If the dog owner is not criminally charged, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit under Ohio's strict liability statute to recover your damages.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Bedford?
If you are bitten, your first priority is to seek medical attention. Even minor bites can lead to severe infections. Next, report the incident to the Bedford Police Department Animal Warden at (440) 232-1234. Finally, contact an experienced attorney to understand the steps to take after a dog bite to protect your legal rights.
Will the dog be euthanized if I file a claim?
Filing a civil claim for compensation does not automatically result in the dog being euthanized. Avery's Law mandates euthanasia only in the most severe cases where a dog kills or seriously injures a person, and only after the owner has received due process in court. Your civil claim focuses on getting your medical bills and other losses paid by the owner's insurance.
Injured by a Dog in Bedford?
Don't let the insurance company minimize your injuries. You deserve full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Dog bite claims filed in Bedford are handled by the Bedford Municipal Court or the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Our attorneys are familiar with these local courts and can guide you through every step of the process at no upfront cost.
Get Your Free Case ReviewDisclaimer: The information provided on this page regarding Avery's Law and Ohio dog bite statutes is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws are subject to change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
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Injured in a Dog Bite in the Cleveland Area?
Ohio's strict liability law means you don't have to prove the dog was dangerous before. Ryan Injury Attorneys handles dog bite cases throughout Cuyahoga County. No fee unless we recover for you.