PORTSMOUTH, OH — Even with Avery’s Law now in effect, calls involving loose and potentially dangerous dogs continue to pour into local dispatch centers.
Portsmouth police handled multiple dog-related incidents recently, including reports of an aggressive loose dog and a separate alleged dog bite.
🚨 Multiple Calls About Loose German Shepherd
Dispatchers received multiple complaints about a loose German Shepherd running in the Baird Avenue area.
Callers described the dog as aggressive and identified an owner believed to live nearby.
Police contacted both the dog warden and animal control, leaving voicemail messages requesting assistance.
Before officers arrived, they learned the owner had already been notified and was reportedly working to get the dog back inside.
While no bite was reported in that incident, Avery’s Law places increased responsibility on owners to properly confine animals and can lead to more serious consequences when dogs repeatedly escape or threaten people and pets.
🩹 Dog Bite Report Raises Questions
Later, officers responded to Front and Court Streets for a reported dog bite.
However, according to the police report, the investigation quickly became complicated.
Officers noted that the alleged victim was being “more difficult than the suspect” during the interaction.
Police also reported that the alleged victim:
- Declined medical treatment
- Showed no visible injuries
- Still wanted the incident documented
Officers ultimately gathered information and completed a report.
⚖️ Avery’s Law Doesn’t Mean Every Call Ends With Charges
Since Avery’s Law took effect, many residents have assumed every dog complaint will automatically result in citations, seizures, or criminal charges.
That’s not necessarily the case.
Officials still must determine:
- Whether a bite actually occurred
- Whether injuries can be documented
- Whether the dog was provoked
- Whether there is evidence supporting the complaint
In cases where injuries aren’t visible or witnesses provide conflicting information, investigations can become far more complicated.
🐾 A Constant Stream of Calls
These latest incidents are just two of dozens of dog-related calls local agencies have handled in recent weeks, including:
- Loose dogs roaming neighborhoods
- Dogs attacking cats and livestock
- Delivery drivers and visitors being bitten
- Residents trapped in vehicles or homes by aggressive animals
- Questions about dangerous dog enforcement under Avery’s Law
