July 11, 2025

Lawsuit Filed After Child Attacked by Dogs Near School Bus Stop

News Summary

A mother has filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Clinton and Laurens County after her 11-year-old son suffered severe injuries from a dog attack while waiting for his school bus. The incident raised concerns about community safety and local authorities’ negligence despite prior complaints about aggressive dogs in the area. The boy underwent over 30 surgeries, with significant medical costs incurred. The lawsuit aims to push for reforms to enhance safety for children commuting to school.

Clinton – The mother of an 11-year-old boy who was severely attacked by a pack of dogs has filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Clinton and Laurens County. The lawsuit, initiated by Amy Lowe, alleges negligence on the part of local authorities regarding a troubling incident that occurred on February 14, 2024, when her son, A’Rhyan Anderson, was bit more than 60 times while walking to his school bus stop on North Livingston Street.

A’Rhyan’s harrowing experience began shortly before he was scheduled to catch the bus. He suffered multiple bites during the attack, prompting a neighbor to intervene and shoo the dogs away. After the assault, A’Rhyan was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital for urgent medical care. Since the incident, he has undergone approximately 30 surgeries to address the extensive injuries he sustained, which have resulted in medical bills totaling around $639,000.

According to Amy Lowe, the attack has left lasting consequences for A’Rhyan, including psychological scars such as flashbacks and anxiety. The lawsuit claims that the city and county were aware of dangerous dogs in the neighborhood prior to the attack. Documentation shows that there had been at least six complaints lodged by residents about these dogs before A’Rhyan’s incident. Some of these concerns were recorded in 911 logs as early as two months prior to the attack, yet no citations or actions were taken by animal control in response to these complaints.

The lawsuit argues that the city of Clinton and Laurens County failed to adequately investigate these complaints and take necessary actions to ensure public safety. At the time of the attack, it was the county’s responsibility to manage animal control services. Following the incident, city officials allocated funds for a part-time animal control officer, aimed at improving response efforts to similar situations in the future.

After the attack, the dogs involved were reported to have been euthanized. The intent of the lawsuit is to advocate for children’s safety as they commute to school, ensuring that no child has to face the threat of dog attacks while waiting for a bus.

The attorney for Amy Lowe, Thomas “Field” Dunaway, has stressed the importance of implementing systematic reforms to prevent future attacks. Both Lowe and Dunaway have expressed their openness to a potential settlement to resolve the issue outside of trial, though current litigation matters prevent further comments from the city of Clinton and Laurens County.

This case raises serious questions about community safety and the responsibility of local authorities in dealing with aggressive animals. The ongoing legal developments will likely shed light on how municipalities can be held accountable for preventative measures in protecting their residents, especially children, from harmful situations.

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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.