SCIOTO COUNTY, OH — As controversy swirls around the Scioto County Dog Shelter and staffing shortages continue, a disturbing case shared on social media is raising new questions about what happens when an animal needs help — and no one comes.
Amanda Timberlake took to social media to share video of an injured dog left suffering for hours after being hit by a car, saying repeated calls for help went unanswered.
🚨 Hit Dog, No Immediate Response
According to Timberlake, the situation began Friday when a dog was struck by a vehicle near Gallia Pike.
A neighbor called 911 but was reportedly told by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office there wasn’t much they could do in that moment.
By Saturday morning, Timberlake said she called again — only to be told officials weren’t sure how they could help.
Meanwhile, the dog remained in a neighbor’s backyard.
📹 Video Shows Severe Injuries
Timberlake posted video showing the dog cowering in pain, unable to move.
“It’s been laying there since last night. You can see bone on the back of its foot,” she said in the video.
She explained that while she wanted to help, the dog was injured, scared, and growling, making it too dangerous for her to approach and transport to a vet.
“I do not want to approach her… she’s just scared.”
⏱️ “17 Hours Later…”
As the hours passed, frustration grew.
“17 hours after the first initial call… this dog is still laying injured in my neighbor’s yard,” Timberlake posted later Saturday.
She said she was eventually told a dog warden had been contacted, but as of that point:
- No one had arrived
- No return calls had been made
- The dog was still suffering
By Saturday afternoon, she was again asking the public for help as the situation continued. Finally, just after 7 pm, Timberlake posted that the folks at Sierra’s Haven for New and Used Pets had come to the rescue of the distressed dog.
⚠️ A System Under Strain
Situations like this highlight the complicated reality behind animal-related calls in Scioto County.
Typically:
- Humane agents handle cases involving injured or neglected animals
- Dog wardens can respond to incidents like dogs hit by vehicles
But right now, both systems are under pressure.
The dog warden’s office is short-staffed, and the shelter itself is dealing with:
- Overcrowding
- Staff shortages following a recent resignation
- Increased scrutiny from the public
❗ The Bigger Concern
For many in the community, the question isn’t just about one injured dog.
It’s about whether the current system can respond quickly when animals — or people — are in urgent need.
Because in this case, according to the woman who documented it:
An injured dog was left waiting for nearly 24 hours.
