News Summary
A lawsuit has been initiated by Amy Lowe against the City of Clinton and Laurens County following her son A’Rhyan Anderson’s severe injuries from a dog attack. The 11-year-old was bitten over 60 times while en route to his bus stop. The lawsuit claims negligence on the part of local authorities for failing to address prior complaints about aggressive dogs in the area. A’Rhyan’s substantial medical bills and ongoing therapy underscore the lawsuit’s demand for necessary changes in animal control to ensure community safety.
Clinton, South Carolina – A lawsuit has been filed by Amy Lowe against the City of Clinton and Laurens County after her son, A’Rhyan Anderson, was severely injured in a brutal dog attack. The incident took place on February 14, 2024, when the 11-year-old was attacked by a pack of dogs while walking to his bus stop on North Livingston Street, resulting in him being bitten more than 60 times.
The attack was so severe that A’Rhyan required airlift to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he underwent approximately 30 surgeries. His current medical bills amount to around $639,000, as reported by Lowe. The lawsuit contends that the city and county acted negligently, having prior knowledge of dangerous dogs in the area and failing to take necessary steps to safeguard residents.
According to the lawsuit, at least six complaints had been filed about the aggressive dogs in the neighborhood, with some documented in 911 logs two months before A’Rhyan was attacked. However, animal control authorities did not issue any citations nor performed follow-ups on investigations related to these complaints. The lawsuit asserts that this inaction violates South Carolina’s Dangerous Animal Statute, which enables local governments to regulate and control animal behavior.
At the time of the attack, the Laurens County animal control services were responsible for animal management in the City of Clinton. Following the incident, the city has since allocated funds for a part-time animal control officer to enhance local safety measures. Clinton police confirmed that the dogs involved in the attack have been euthanized.
The lawsuit seeks damages for both past and future medical expenses, ongoing therapy, pain, suffering, and the permanent injuries A’Rhyan has sustained. The attack has had a lasting impact on him, resulting in physical scars and psychological effects, such as flashbacks and anxiety. He continues to undergo physical and psychological therapy to cope with the aftermath of the attack.
While both the City of Clinton and Laurens County have opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, Lowe expressed her desire for meaningful changes to be implemented to enhance safety for children at bus stops. The hope is that this lawsuit will lead to improvements in animal control measures, preventing future incidents and protecting vulnerable community members.
Lowe and her attorney, Thomas “Field” Dunaway, emphasize their aim is not to seek pity but to advocate for necessary changes to ensure the safety of children in their community. The legal action taken against the local government sheds light on the responsibility they hold in monitoring dangerous animals and addressing community safety concerns.
The outcome of this lawsuit may influence not only the future policies and practices surrounding animal control in Clinton but also serve as a vital reminder about the importance of timely responses to public complaints regarding dangerous animals.
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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.
