A Sunday stroll along Weisheimer Road in Clintonville turned violent when Stevie, a family dog, was mauled by two loose dogs as owner Amanda Olavarria walked with her 10-month-old son. Olavarria says a neighbor jumped in and managed to pull the animals apart, and emergency responders then rushed Stevie away for treatment. The attack left the dog with life-threatening injuries and the family shaken, while also putting fresh scrutiny on how animal-control officials and prosecutors enforce Ohio’s newly updated dangerous-dog laws.
Olavarria told NBC4 she had Stevie and her infant with her when two loose dogs suddenly attacked. According to the station, Franklin County Animal Care & Control responded, issued citations, and classified the two dogs as nuisance dogs. NBC4 also reports that the dogs remain with their owner while the case moves through the legal process and that the agency is urging residents to report any dogs running at large or involved in attacks.
Avery’s Law and What It Could Mean
Ohio’s House Bill 247, known as Avery’s Law, took effect in March and significantly revised the state’s dangerous-dog statutes, according to the Ohio House. The law gives dog wardens broader authority to immediately impound dogs after attacks that cause serious injury. As reported by WOSU, the changes also tighten responsibilities for dog owners and create faster procedures for reviewing and, when necessary, removing dangerous animals from the community.
How to Report and What Officials Say
Franklin County Animal Care & Control says it responds to calls for service and helps residents file bite reports. The county directs people to submit bite reports through Franklin County Public Health and to contact the county dog shelter for non-emergencies. Contact details and reporting information are listed on the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center website.
Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Speaking to NBC4, Olavarria said, “We're never going to be made whole,” as Stevie recovers from the wounds. The incident remains under investigation as a pending legal matter. Neighbors, meanwhile, say they want clearer, quicker enforcement so that families walking their blocks, with or without pets, are not put in the same position.
