Dog Bite Defenses: Teasing, Trespass and Crime

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

The statute is strict, but it excludes people who were committing a crime or provoking the dog.

Criminal trespass or another crime

The owner is not strictly liable if the person injured was criminally trespassing or committing some other crime other than a minor misdemeanor on the owner's property. The statute also excludes someone committing an offense against any person.

Teasing, tormenting or abusing

The owner is not strictly liable if the injured person was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog on the owner's property.

Only two main exceptions

There are only two main exceptions, but comparative fault and leash laws can change who actually pays.

Solicitors

Ohio law specifically protects solicitors, according to one summary.

Avery's Law

A 2026 law known as Avery's Law deals primarily with criminal penalties and public-safety enforcement rather than civil liability.

Official sources

• Ohio Rev. Code § 2315.33 — contributory fault
• Ohio Rev. Code § 955.28 — dog owner liability
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10 — bodily injury deadline

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Ohio's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Ohio attorney.