What started as a dog bite call in Wheelersburg ended with a trip to jail — and it’s just the latest example of how Scioto County’s overburdened dog shelter system is being pushed to the brink.
Just after 5:30 p.m., officers responded to a call from a man who said his neighbor’s dog got loose and bit him. The Dog Warden was called to the scene along with law enforcement.
While the dog bite victim declined an ambulance, officers quickly discovered something else — the dog’s owner had an active warrant for a probation violation. Police took the man into custody and booked him into the Scioto County Jail.
Bigger Problem Behind the Bite
This incident isn’t just another dog bite call — it’s a symptom of a much larger crisis facing Scioto County:
- The county dog shelter is already over capacity, with temporary kennels set up to handle overflow.
- Cases like this put additional strain on wardens and law enforcement, who are now dealing not just with strays, but with an increasing number of dangerous or improperly contained dogs.
- The shelter is grappling with everything from abuse cases to hoarding situations, and now, even routine bite calls can lead to legal complications and pressure on limited resources.
A Reminder for Dog Owners
This incident reminds us:
- License your dogs – it’s the law and helps return them safely.
- Keep dogs properly secured – roaming animals create risk for everyone.
- Cooperate with wardens and law enforcement – noncompliance can have consequences far beyond the leash.
As Scioto County officials consider raising dog license fees in 2026 and expanding humane enforcement powers, cases like this one prove just how urgent the situation is.
Every loose dog is more than a nuisance — it’s another log on a fire that’s already out of control.
Man Fresh Out of Rehab Accused of Threatening Ex During Dog Dispute
What began as a heated argument over a dog turned into a frightening ordeal for a woman and her child, who say they were repeatedly harassed by her ex despite his court-ordered restrictions.
The woman told deputies her former partner, who was supposed to be in rehab in Charleston, showed up at her home unannounced. She said he tried to force his way inside while demanding she take care of his dog. When she refused, she claims he got in her face, screamed at her, and drew back his fist as if to hit her.
The woman, who lives in the home with their son while also caring for his grandmother and mother, said her son was left scared and upset by the confrontation. The man eventually left but allegedly returned later that evening, again demanding she keep the dog, saying he had to be back at rehab by 10 p.m.
Deputies advised the woman to file for a protection order and contact his probation officer. But the situation didn’t stop there. Dispatch received another call reporting that the man had returned the next day, pounding on the door, sending text messages, and insisting he wouldn’t leave until the dog was taken in. The family said they ignored him until he finally left, warning he’d “be back.”
Protecting Families From Harassment
Deputies documented the case and urged the woman to seek a court order for protection. Experts stress that in cases of repeated harassment or domestic threats:
- File for a protection order immediately to create a legal barrier.
- Contact probation officers if the person is under supervision.
- Do not answer the door—call 911 if the individual refuses to leave.
For this family, the incident has become less about a dog and more about safety, with deputies keeping watch should the ex return again.
