Scioto County continues to grapple with a growing number of dog-related calls, everything from bites and stolen pets to neighbor blow-ups over leashes and pepper spray. It’s more than just barking dogs, it’s a sign that animal control resources are stretched thin, and residents are feeling the impact.
Here’s a look at just a few of the canine chaos calls from the past 24 hours:
Sidewalk Spat Turns Heated in Portsmouth
Location: Grandview Avenue
Time: Afternoon
Police responded after a woman reported a shouting match in her front yard between neighbors — all stemming from a dog dispute. According to witnesses:
- One party had been walking a small dog on a public sidewalk.
- When they passed a German Shepherd, they allegedly pepper-sprayed the larger dog, claiming it was aggressive and could attack.
- The shepherd’s owners were furious, and the confrontation escalated.
Officers calmed the situation and advised both parties to stay away from each other. Everyone was reminded to keep dogs leashed or on leads, especially when walking near other pets.
Golden Doodle Drama in Wheelersburg
Time: 12:45 a.m.
Another call came in overnight when a woman reported that her golden doodle had been stolen in Wheelersburg. But after investigating, officers determined:
- The dog had actually escaped and chased a cat.
- It was later picked up and dropped off in Wheelersburg.
- The pup ended up at We Love Big Mutts Grooming, where the woman was in contact with staff.
However, the situation became murky:
- The grooming business said they would reach out to the person who brought the dog in but refused to give any additional info.
- The woman had no ID tags on the dog, making it difficult to prove ownership.
- She also said the Sheriff’s Office refused to assist, telling her to call Portsmouth Police instead.
Ultimately, no criminal charges were filed, and the woman was advised on how to proceed in reclaiming her pet.
The Bigger Problem: A System on the Brink
These incidents are part of a larger pattern as the Scioto County Dog Shelter operates beyond capacity, with:
- Overflow kennels
- Hoarding and abuse investigations piling up
- Shelter staff and dog wardens responding to calls without the backup they need
As more residents struggle with loose dogs, aggressive pets, and disputes over ownership, officials say:
- Licensing, proper containment, and responsible ownership are more important than ever.
- County leaders are considering expanding humane agent roles and increasing license fees to help stabilize the shelter system.
Bottom Line: The dogs aren’t the problem, the lack of resources, enforcement, and public awareness is. Until those issues are addressed, expect more barking, more bites, and more bitter disputes on the streets of Scioto County.
