News Summary
A civil lawsuit has been filed after an 11-year-old boy sustained severe injuries from a dog attack involving four feral dogs. The incident left A’Rhyan Anderson with over 60 bites while on his way to a school bus stop. His mother alleges negligence by local authorities, citing previous complaints about the dogs. Medical expenses for A’Rhyan have exceeded $639,000, and the lawsuit seeks compensation for his ongoing treatment and to push for better animal control measures in the community.
Clinton, South Carolina – A civil lawsuit has been filed following a vicious dog attack that left an 11-year-old boy, A’Rhyan Anderson, severely injured. The incident occurred on February 14, 2024, at approximately 7:40 a.m. while A’Rhyan was on his way to his school bus stop on North Livingston Street. During the attack, he was bitten over 60 times by a pack of four feral dogs.
A neighbor intervened to save A’Rhyan, managing to shoo the dogs away. Soon after, the boy was airlifted to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he remained for 33 days receiving treatment that included multiple surgeries and physical therapy. A’Rhyan’s medical expenses have exceeded $639,000.
In response to the attack, A’Rhyan’s mother, Amy Lowe, filed a lawsuit against Laurens County and the town of Clinton. The suit alleges negligence on part of both entities, claiming they failed to take appropriate action despite prior complaints from residents regarding uncontrolled dogs in the area. Reports indicate that at least six complaints concerning the feral dogs had been made prior to the attack, with some documented in 911 logs two months beforehand. However, animal control did not issue any citations or follow up on these complaints, allowing the harmful dogs to remain uncontained.
The lawsuit highlights violations of South Carolina laws pertaining to dangerous animals as well as deficiencies in animal control procedures. Moreover, the City of Clinton relies on Laurens County for animal control services, a point raised in the negligence claim.
Lowe’s lawsuit seeks compensation for various costs, including past and future medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, and consideration for the long-term effects of A’Rhyan’s injuries, such as anxiety and flashbacks. In the aftermath of the incident, Clinton officials allocated budget funds for a part-time animal control officer to address the issue.
Following the attack, the four dogs involved were euthanized. However, it was reported that two of the dogs escaped, and their owners have yet to be identified. The Clinton police department has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Nevertheless, the city has committed to handling the lawsuit through the appropriate legal channels.
Amy Lowe emphasized a desire not just for compensation but also accountability and systematic reform to prevent similar incidents in the future. She expressed that the goal is not to receive pity for her family but to inspire progress within the community. The lawsuit also calls for enhanced protection measures and stricter animal control regulations to ensure the safety of residents moving forward.
As A’Rhyan Anderson continues to undergo both physical and psychological therapy, the community remains concerned about animal control practices and public safety. Parents and residents are calling for urgent action to prevent future attacks, underscoring the pressing need for systemic changes in animal control and management in Clinton, South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lawsuit Filed After 11-Year-Old Boy Attacked by Dogs
Lawsuit Filed After Severe Dog Attack in Clinton, SC
Lawsuit Filed After Child Attacked by Dogs Near School Bus Stop
Shooting at Graduation Party in Clinton Injures Teen
Heartfelt Goodbye to Minnesota Lawmaker and Beloved Dog
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Tragedy Strikes Minnesota Political Scene: Lawmaker Murdered
Israel and Iran’s Tensions Erupt: Major Military Operation
Main Street Laurens Bids Farewell to Craig Scharton
Raccoon in Clinton, S.C. Tests Positive for Rabies
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Mother and Boy Mauled by Dogs Files Civil Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Dog Attack
- Fox Carolina: Mom and Boy Brutally Attacked by Dogs Files Lawsuit
- Google Search: Dog Attack Lawsuit South Carolina
- WSPA: Mother Suing Laurens Co and City of Clinton After Dog Attack
- Google Scholar: Dog Attack Lawsuit
- GoLaurens: Lawsuit Filed Over Dog Attack Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Control
- WYFF4: Clinton Dog Attack Victim Details Attack Recovery
- Google News: Dog Attack South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
