BUTLER, Ohio — A 32-year-old woman was seriously injured in a dog attack Monday afternoon at a residence on Teeter Road, prompting deputies to use force against one of the animals in order to render aid, according to a report from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched around 1 p.m. on April 27, 2026, to 5019 Teeter Road after receiving reports that a woman had been mauled by dogs and that the animals were preventing anyone from reaching her. The victim, identified as Josie Paige Burwell, was found lying unresponsive on the front porch with severe lacerations to her neck.
According to incident reports, two large dogs—a German shepherd and a mixed-breed dog described as a pit bull mix—were on or near the porch when deputies arrived. The brown mixed-breed dog had blood on its face and remained near the victim, at times standing over her and preventing access.
Deputies initially attempted to control the situation using pepper spray, which caused the German shepherd to retreat but had limited effect on the second dog. As the animal continued to block access and behave aggressively, one deputy deployed a Taser. The dog was temporarily subdued but did not retreat and instead advanced toward officers.
At that point, a deputy discharged a single round from his service weapon, striking the dog and eliminating the threat. Authorities said the use of force was necessary to protect deputies and allow immediate medical assistance to the victim.
Once the scene was secured, deputies began providing emergency aid. The victim was found to have significant bleeding from both sides of her neck. Officers applied pressure to the wounds until emergency medical personnel arrived. She was transported by Worthington Fire EMS to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Hospital staff later reported that Burwell was sedated and intubated but listed in stable condition.
Investigators said the attack began when the two larger dogs were reportedly attacking a smaller dog on the property, described as a miniature poodle. The victim attempted to intervene and stop the attack, at which point she was bitten.
The dog that was shot, identified by witnesses as “Clyde,” reportedly belonged to the victim and was described as a rescue animal weighing over 100 pounds. The German shepherd was not reported to have been injured.
No charges have been filed at this time, and the case remains under investigation. Detective Joshua Dawson has been assigned to lead the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the dogs’ history or whether any prior incidents had been reported.
