Portsmouth Police and animal control officers rushed to Wilson Avenue at 5 p.m. after reports that a 1yearold child had been bitten in the face by a blue pit bull — a dog the caller described as “very aggressive” and with a history of attacks.
The caller told dispatchers the dog had previously bitten another child and had even chased a police officer on an earlier call. Moments later, she called back to report the dog was secured in a fenced-in backyard.
Animal Control responded to the scene, and officers completed a dog bite report. EMS from the Portsmouth Fire Department checked the child, but the family declined transport to the hospital.
A Pattern of Dangerous Incidents
This isn’t an isolated story. Across southern Ohio, including Scioto County, dog-related emergencies are spiking — from packs of roaming dogs to attacks on children. Local shelters and animal control officers are overloaded and forced to respond to:
- Aggressive dog calls in residential neighborhoods
- Hoarding and cruelty cases with dozens of animals
- Strays with no identification or vaccination records
The Scioto County Dog Shelter is already operating beyond capacity, with temporary kennels set up to hold overflow. Officials say this strains their ability to respond quickly and safely when dangerous animals are on the loose.
Packs, Loose Dogs, and Public Safety
Animal behavior experts warn that when dogs roam unrestrained, especially in groups or with a history of aggression, their behavior can escalate rapidly:
- Pack mentality can lead to increased territorial aggression
- Children and small pets are at greater risk
- Even law enforcement officers face heightened danger
This Wilson Avenue case underscores what Scioto County Commissioners have been discussing for months:
Stronger enforcement, more humane agent authority, and increased funding for shelters are needed to address the crisis before more injuries occur.
What Dog Owners Can Do
- Keep dogs leashed or contained at all times
- License and vaccinate pets — tags help identify owners and fund shelter operations
- Address aggressive behavior early with training or secure housing
As the Wilson Avenue case shows, one loose dog can become a community-wide problem — and in the current climate of strained resources, prevention may be the only real protection left.