Dog attacks remain a serious public safety concern across Ohio. In 2024, U.S. letter carriers reported 350 dog bites involving mail carriers in Ohio, ranking the state third nationally behind California and Texas.
And the problem isn’t slowing down. Recent incidents—such as a 72-year-old Hamilton woman being airlifted following a pit bull mauling and an 85-year-old in Monclova Township attacked while using a wheelchair—underscore the urgency. If you live in Ohio, it’s worth understanding exactly what legal protections exist and how to use them. With those protections in mind, let’s look at how Ohio’s strict liability statute works.
How Ohio’s Strict Liability Statute Works
Ohio is a state that has strict liability for dog bites. In plain terms, that means the law holds a dog owner responsible even if the animal has never shown any hint of aggression. Under Ohio Revised Code § 955.28, you don’t need to prove the dog had a history of biting anyone. The owner is on the hook from day one.
These rules are also evolving. The recent passage of “Avery’s Law” expanded the definitions of dangerous and vicious dogs while adding strict fencing and liability insurance requirements. That prompted organizations like the Humane Society of Greater Dayton to overhaul their policies for investigating dog cruelty. These legislative changes followed an award-winning investigative series that exposed serious gaps in Ohio’s earlier dog control laws.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability doesn’t stop with whoever’s name is on the dog’s registration. Ohio’s statute targets the owner, “keeper,” or “harborer” of the animal. So what does that mean in practice? A keeper is someone with temporary physical control, like a dog walker on a shift. A harborer controls the premises where the dog lives, which can sometimes involve landlords or property managers…