In a bizarre twist that highlights the mounting dangers of Scioto County’s drug crisis, a local dog has become the latest victim—and aggressor—in a shocking attack that left a person’s flesh torn to the bone. And what’s even more chilling? The dog was likely high on cocaine.
The horrifying incident occurred when the agitated dog viciously attacked a 53-year-old female victim, causing severe injuries. The images of the aftermath are too disturbing to share, but the bite was deep, going all the way down to the bone. But the family didn’t want to give up on the dog. They wanted it back, despite the attack. Incredibly, the dog’s owner, who is currently in rehab, was left helpless as family members allowed the dog to get into the cocaine, triggering the violent behavior.
Dog Warden Heather Stevens refused to return the dog to the family, citing the extreme nature of the attack. “The dog went after the catch pole so viciously that he bloodied his own mouth,” Stevens said. “When we moved him into quarantine, there was blood all over the kennel. We were discussing how to drug-test this dog, but it’s a tricky thing. You have to catch it to test it, and the dog was so dangerous that we couldn’t get close enough to get a sample.”
The dog was eventually named “Al Pacino” by shelter staff, but despite the obvious signs of aggression, officials were unable to confirm the dog’s drug use. The shelter’s inability to perform a drug test on the dog due to safety concerns meant there was no way to officially charge the owner with animal cruelty, though the circumstances were clear.
“It’s a real challenge for us,” Stevens added. “We deal with dangerous situations every day, but this is next level. The drug crisis is affecting everyone—even our animals. We tried to figure out how to test this dog without getting bit, but it’s tough when you’re dealing with a situation like this. It’s one of those things we’re forced to adapt to in an already stressful environment.”
And the situation is far from unique. The escalating drug crisis is putting more pressure on the already-stressed Scioto County Dog Shelter and its staff, who regularly face dangerous situations involving aggressive animals and unpredictable circumstances. With limited resources, they’re left to juggle difficult cases that can often turn into life-threatening situations for both the animals and the humane agents.
Stevens said a video of the cocaine-fueled dog was widely viewed at the Sheriff’s Office, helping them to understand what dog wardens are up against in the face of this ever-growing crisis. “This is what we deal with,” Stevens said. “And it’s only getting worse. It’s not just about dogs or the people involved—it’s about our community and the safety of everyone. The drug problem is everywhere, and it’s not just people who are suffering.”
As the drug epidemic continues to impact Scioto County, it’s clear that no one is immune—not even the animals. As for the dog wardens and humane agents working tirelessly to protect both people and pets, the battle is becoming more complex and dangerous by the day.
