Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a disturbing report of suspected animal neglect after a caller discovered a deceased dog behind a residence, reportedly covered by a box and believed to have died from malnutrition.
A deputy responded to the scene and confirmed the dog was deceased. However, they were unable to make contact with the homeowner. The person who reported the incident told deputies that while they had heard coyotes in the area, they did not believe the dog was attacked, pointing instead to signs of severe neglect.
Deputies documented the scene and said they would follow up with the Scioto County Dog Warden for further investigation.
Not an Isolated Case
This heartbreaking situation is just the latest in a growing list of animal-related crises across Scioto County — from:
- Loose dogs biting children,
- Packs of aggressive strays roaming neighborhoods,
- Dog hoarding cases, and
- Emergency calls where Animal Control can’t respond due to shelter overflow.
As of now, the Scioto County Dog Shelter is operating beyond its intended capacity, with temporary kennels holding overflow animals and only limited staffing to respond to calls.
County officials have acknowledged the growing problem, recently voting to raise dog license fees in 2026 and discussing whether to expand the powers of dog wardens to act as humane agents — in hopes of speeding up response times in abuse cases like this one.
Animal Neglect: A Growing Concern
This latest case highlights the devastating consequences when animal abuse or neglect goes unnoticed — or when the system meant to protect vulnerable animals is too overwhelmed to act swiftly.
Without visible injuries and with the homeowner unavailable for questioning, this case may go unpunished, unless further evidence emerges.
