🐶 Dog Drama Sparks Big Bite Debate! Ohio House Bill 247

It started with a bark and ended with a bite scare that’s got folks on edge — and lawmakers talking. A family says a neighbor’s dog charged at their pup and terrified their kids, leaving one child hurt. But what happened next has pet owners from both sides of the river perking up their ears. 

Turns out, this wasn’t just a simple case of a dog on the loose. The neighbor claimed it was an accident, and deputies issued a warning about keeping pets properly secured. But the real bite might be coming from Columbus, where House Bill 247 could soon shake things up for anyone with a four-legged friend. 

🐾 Here’s what pet owners need to know: 

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• Under current law: If your dog bites someone, it can be quarantined at home — as long as you follow the rules and pay the fines. 

• If the new bill passes: No more home quarantine. Every dog involved in a bite, even if provoked, would automatically be impounded at the county shelter for a mandatory 10-day hold. 

• Getting your dog back? You’ll have to go to court and ask a judge — which adds time, stress, and expense. 

That’s not just bad news for dog lovers. It’s also got officials in Scioto County scrambling.
“We’ve got 24 kennels and two quarantine kennels,” said Dog Warden Heather Stevens. “And we fill them up really quick. I need more quarantine kennels for all these bite calls — it’s nuts!” 

💡 Pet Owner Tip:
Want to stay out of the doghouse? 

• Double-check your fences and gates. 

• Don’t let dogs run loose — even if they “usually stay close.” 

• If your pup has any history of aggression, invest in proper training and containment. 

Because under this proposed law, even one bite could mean a trip to the pound — and possibly court. 

Stay tuned as Avery’s Law heads for a vote… and keep those dogs leashed, folks. 🐕‍🦺