Avery’s Law was created with the intention of protecting public safety, but in its current form, it risks doing serious harm to Ohio’s already overwhelmed animal welfare system.

Those of us working in animal rescue see the reality every day which is overcrowded shelters, limited resources, and dedicated volunteers doing everything they can to save lives. The language in Avery’s Law is too vague, leaving dangerous room for interpretation and creating fear among rescues, shelters, fosters, and adopters.

Without clear and objective standards, organizations may be forced to make overly cautious decisions simply to avoid legal risk.

This will lead to:

• Fewer dogs being pulled from overcrowded shelters
• Increased euthanasia rates due to limited placement options
• Dogs being labeled as “dangerous” without proper behavioral context
• A decline in fosters, adopters, and volunteers
• More animals being abandoned or dumped out of fear and lack of safe alternatives
• An increase in stray animals in our communities
• Difficulty for shelters, rescues and home owners finding insurance (some of us have already lost our insurance due to this)

Dog behavior is complex. Many incidents are situational and influenced by environment, stress, or provocation. A law that does not account for these factors risks unfairly condemning animals and punishing the very people working to rehabilitate and responsibly place them.

Even more concerning, this law may drive experienced rescuers out of the field entirely. Animal rescue is already emotionally and physically demanding. Adding legal uncertainty could push many to step away, making an already critical situation even worse.

We are asking for immediate revision of Avery’s Law to include:

• Clear, objective definitions and standards
• Legal protections for rescues and shelters acting in good faith
• Consideration of behavioral context in all cases
• Input from animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and rescue professionals

We all want safer communities. We all want to prevent harm. But this law, as written, will lead to more death, more abandonment, and more suffering, not less.

Sign this petition to urge action before more animals, and the people trying to save them, pay the price.

Please also consider voicing your concerns here https://governor.ohio.gov/contact/contact-us