COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate unanimously passed on Wednesday afternoon Avery's Law, legislation that would create stronger penalties and greater accountability for owners of dangerous dogs in Ohio.

The bill, named after 12-year-old Avery Russell , now moves back to the Ohio House for concurrence on a Senate amendment before heading to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk for final approval.

Avery's Law was inspired by a devastating June 2024 incident in which Avery was attacked by two pit bulls during a playdate at a friend's house. The attack left her in a coma, resulted in the loss of both ears and caused severe scarring.

"You never would think that letting your child go play with their friend is gonna end like that," said Drew Russell, Avery's mother.

The legislation increases the minimum

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