Woman Seriously Injured in Dog Attack in Richland County; Deputies Forced to Use Deadly Force to Stop Mauling
BUTLER, Ohio — Newly released details from Sheriff’s Office Deputies paint a chaotic and life-threatening scene during a dog attack Sunday afternoon in Richland County, where a woman suffered severe neck injuries and responding deputies were forced to shoot an aggressive dog to save her life.
According to a detailed report from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred April 27, 2026, at a residence in the 5000 block of Teeter Road.
Deputies arriving on scene described a disturbing situation. One deputy reported initially being unable to locate the victim until moving closer to the porch, where she was found lying on her back, motionless, while multiple dogs remained nearby.
A large Pitbull mixed-breed dog was standing directly over the victim, while a German Shepherd lingered near the steps. The Pitbull mix had visible blood on its face. Deputies also observed a smaller dog already deceased on the porch.
A witness on scene told deputies the dogs had just attacked the victim and would not allow anyone to approach to help her.
Deputies attempted multiple methods to safely intervene. Pepper spray was deployed several times, which successfully drove the German Shepherd away but had only moderate effect on the larger dog.
The aggressive dog repeatedly returned to the victim and continued to block access. Deputies described forming a semi-circle around the victim and the dog in an effort to contain the situation while looking for an opportunity to provide aid.
One deputy deployed a Taser in an attempt to force the dog away. The dog was briefly incapacitated but quickly recovered and resumed aggressive behavior.
As the situation escalated, the dog advanced toward one of the deputies and attempted to bite him. With no safe alternative and the victim still critically injured, a deputy fired a single round, striking the dog and ending the threat.
Deputies noted the shot was taken at a downward angle due to the positioning on the porch and nearby individuals, minimizing risk to others.
Once the dog was neutralized, deputies immediately began emergency medical care. The victim had suffered deep lacerations to both sides of her neck and was bleeding heavily.
Deputies used gauze from their individual first aid kits to pack the wounds and applied continuous pressure while attempting to keep the victim conscious. One deputy reported maintaining eye contact and speaking to her to keep her responsive until EMS arrived.
Emergency crews from Worthington Fire EMS took over care and transported the victim to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. She was later reported to be in stable condition after being sedated and intubated.
Investigators say the incident began when the two larger dogs were attacking a smaller dog named “Peanut,” described as a miniature poodle weighing about 8 pounds.
The victim attempted to intervene, at which point the larger dog, identified as a mixed-breed named “Clyde” weighing over 100 pounds, turned on her.
A witness told deputies the dog remained over the victim “as if to finish her off” before law enforcement arrived.
The dog that was shot was confirmed to belong to the victim and was described as a rescue animal.
Detectives have since taken over the investigation, which remains ongoing. No charges have been announced at this time.
This incident remains under review.
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