The case surrounding a brutal dog mauling in the Lucasville Bottoms took a new turn Friday morning.
Scioto County Municipal Court has issued an arrest warrant for the dog’s owner, Betty Bostwick, in connection with the attack that left a woman seriously injured and missing part of her hand.
According to court records, the complaint was filed with the court early Friday morning. A judge issued a complaint warrant, giving authorities probable cause to enter Bostwick’s home to make the arrest.
Bostwick is charged with a misdemeanor offense related to the dog attack, which carries a possible penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
However, legal experts note the charge could have been far more serious.
If Ohio’s new Avery’s Law had already been in effect, the case could potentially have resulted in felony charges due to the dog’s prior history and the severity of the injuries.
The Attack That Shocked the Community
As previously reported, the attack happened just after 10 a.m. Sunday in the Lucasville Bottoms.
A frantic 911 call reported that a pit bull had attacked a woman and bitten off her thumb. Witnesses at the scene reportedly searched the area for the severed thumb so it could be placed on ice while emergency responders rushed to help.
The victim had been bitten multiple times.
Emergency crews called for a medical helicopter, which landed at the Lucasville Library, where firefighters established a landing zone. The victim was then airlifted to a Columbus hospital for treatment.
Dog Already Declared Dangerous
Authorities quickly realized the case had a troubling history.
According to dispatch traffic, the Scioto County Dog Warden immediately recognized the pit bull involved in the attack.
Court records show the dog had previously been declared dangerous in an earlier case.
In September 2023, Bostwick was convicted of:
- Failure to confine a dog
- Failure to register a dog
At that time, the dog warden asked the court to formally designate the pit bull as dangerous.
The court allowed the dog to remain with its owner as long as it was kept in a locked, fenced yard and properly restrained.
Following Sunday’s attack, deputies met with the dog warden and moved to seize the animal.
Avery’s Law Looms Over the Case
The timing of the attack has added fuel to the debate surrounding Ohio’s new Avery’s Law, which will soon change how dangerous dog cases are handled.
The law strengthens penalties and allows authorities to intervene sooner when animals with a known history of aggression pose a threat.
Supporters say the law is designed specifically to prevent tragedies like the one that happened in Lucasville.
What Happens Next
With the warrant now issued, authorities will move to take Bostwick into custody.
Scioto County Daily News will continue to follow the case and provide updates as it moves through the court system.