About this episode

This episode discusses Avery's Law and its implications for dangerous dog legislation in Ohio.

After the devastating dog attack that seriously injured Avery Russell, Ohio lawmakers passed Avery's Law to strengthen the state's dangerous dog statutes and increase accountability for owners of designated dangerous dogs. But does the new law accomplish its goal? In this episode of The Animal Welfare Junction, Dr. G is joined by Dana Pannella, Esq., an Ohio attorney with extensive experience in dangerous dog law, to examine what Avery's Law actually says, how it changes liability for dog owners and professionals, and why some of its language may create unintended consequences. Together they discuss: The attack that inspired Avery's Law How Ohio's dangerous dog laws changed The new liability requirements for owners of designated dangerous dogs The requirement to carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance—and the challenges many owners face obtaining coverage Why the statutory definition of a "dangerous dog" may be broader than many people realize How incidents involving injury may be interpreted under the law, even when the dog's behavior or the surrounding circumstances are disputed What veterinarians, animal control officers, trainers, shelters, rescues, and dog owners need…

People in this episode

Host: A. Michelle Gonzalez

Guest: Dana Pannella

Topics covered

• dangerous dogs
• Avery's Law
• dog owner liability
• Ohio dog laws
• dog behavior
• animal welfare

Keywords

• dangerous dog
• Avery's Law
• liability insurance
• dog attack
• Ohio law
• dog owner responsibilities
• animal control
• veterinarians
• dog training

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ohio, Avery's Law

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• Who is Speaking for Ohio's Pets? Paws, Politics and Policy with guest Vicki Diesner · June 30, 2026 · 48 min

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