Update to Stow's dangerous and nuisance dog law (Avery's Law)
Stow
Summary
Council tightened rules on dogs running at large, cruelty to companion animals, and animal noises — a response to resident complaints about barking and roosters. Enforcement will fall mainly to police, who must meet high legal thresholds before citing.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost mentioned; enforcement shifts to the community service officer under state criteria.
Residents bothered by chronic barking or animals at large get a clearer enforcement tool.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Committee of the Whole - May 14, 2026
Stow is replacing its 1986-era dog rules with Ohio's Avery's Law, letting the community service officer classify dogs as nuisance, dangerous or vicious under state criteria — with court appeals instead of mayoral appeals. Council tweaked it so a leashed dog peeing on a sidewalk won't count as a nuisance.
City Council - Feb 12, 2026
Council tightened rules on dogs running at large, cruelty to companion animals, and animal noises — a response to resident complaints about barking and roosters. Enforcement will fall mainly to police, who must meet high legal thresholds before citing.
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