News Summary
A mother has filed a lawsuit against Laurens County and the City of Clinton after her son was severely injured by a pack of dogs while walking to his bus stop. The 11-year-old boy, A’Rhyan Anderson, suffered over 60 bites and spent 33 days in the hospital. The lawsuit highlights alleged negligence regarding animal control in the area, while the community raises concerns over the management of stray dogs. As the city takes steps to improve animal control, the family seeks compensation for the injuries and long-term consequences from the attack.
Clinton, South Carolina – A mother has filed a lawsuit against both Laurens County and the City of Clinton after her son was brutally attacked by a pack of dogs on February 14, 2024. The lawsuit, raised by Amy Lowe, is a response to the severe injuries suffered by her 11-year-old son, A’Rhyan Anderson, who endured over 60 bites during the incident.
The attack occurred around 7:40 a.m. while A’Rhyan was walking to his bus stop on North Livingston Street. A neighbor intervened, managing to shoo the dogs away, which helped save A’Rhyan’s life. Following the traumatic event, he was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital where he remained for 33 days, undergoing multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy. Medical costs have since skyrocketed, exceeding $639,000, and the family is now seeking compensation.
According to Lowe, A’Rhyan will have to deal with lasting consequences from the attack, including permanent scars, anxiety, flashbacks, and physical pain. The lawsuit targets both the county and the city, claiming negligence regarding their failure to manage the roaming dog population and for medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident.
Prior to the dog attack, the community had expressed growing concerns over uncontrolled dogs in the area, with at least six documented complaints made to animal control just two months earlier. Despite these complaints, no citations were issued, nor were there any follow-up actions taken, raising questions about the adequacy of local animal control measures.
The specific animals involved in A’Rhyan’s attack were identified as four feral dogs. Following the incident, two of these dogs were euthanized, but the owners have not yet been identified. The lawsuit seeks damages not only for medical bills but also for future surgical and therapeutic expenses, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, it calls for improved animal control measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In light of this incident, the City of Clinton has begun allocating funds towards the establishment of a part-time animal control officer. This decision reflects a recognition of the urgent need for better management of stray animals after the attack on A’Rhyan. However, both Laurens County and the City of Clinton have stated they cannot comment further on the ongoing litigation.
As the case unfolds, Lowe and her attorney, Field Dunaway, are advocating for accountability and reform in local animal control policies. The serious nature of the injuries and psychological trauma faced by A’Rhyan has underscored the necessity for systemic changes to ensure the safety of the community’s children.
This unfortunate event highlights a significant issue concerning animal control in the area, prompting conversations about public safety and the responsibilities of local government entities to protect citizens from preventable harm. As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the effectiveness of previous complaints, the community remains alert to the urgent need for change to avoid further tragedies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Civil Lawsuit Filed Following Vicious Dog Attack on Boy
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
Additional Resources
- WSPA: Mother suing Laurens Co. and City of Clinton after dog attack
- GoLaurens: Lawsuit filed over dog attack incident
- Fox Carolina: Family of boy brutally attacked by dogs files lawsuit
- Google Search: Dog attack lawsuit Clinton South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Dog attack
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.
