Spalding County Provides Update on October 20 Animal Attack Investigation

SPALDING COUNTY, GA | October 22, 2026: Spalding County Animal Control continues to investigate the October 20 dog attack near Parham Road and Anglin Road that resulted in serious injuries to a 14-year-old juvenile.

First and foremost, our thoughts remain with this young lady, her brother, and their family. The County has been advised that the young lady underwent surgery Wednesday and was reported to be doing well Thursday morning.

We know her recovery will take time, and we join our community in wishing her strength, healing, and a full recovery. In the midst of a frightening and rapidly unfolding situation, two people stepped forward to help: the victim’s brother and a school bus driver.

Their actions deserve special recognition. Both intervened during an extremely dangerous situation to help protect this young lady from further harm. Their courage and willingness to act exemplify something deeply important about our community: when someone needed help, people stepped forward. Spalding County is grateful for their actions and for the care they demonstrated for another member of our community.

At the same time, Spalding County Animal Control is working to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated and that the requirements of County ordinance are followed. Based on the investigation to date, Animal Control has identified alleged violations of the Spalding County Code involving animals at large, improper tethering, and an unaltered pet. Because two dogs were reportedly at large at the time of the incident, applicable alleged violations are being addressed separately for each animal. Animal Control has also initiated the process established under Section 12-1011 of the Spalding County Ordinance concerning the classification of the dog identified as responsible for the attack. Following review of the circumstances and documented injuries, including multiple significant bite wounds, the Director of Animal Control determined on Thursday, October 22, 2026, that the dog should be classified as vicious.

The owner will be formally notified in accordance with the procedures and timeframe established by County ordinance. The investigation remains ongoing. Animal Control continues to complete the case record, including photographic documentation and the responding officer’s report. Dr. Steve Ledbetter, County Manager 119 E. Solomon Street Griffin, Georgia 30224  www.spaldingcounty.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Spalding County 770-467-4395 Because the victim is a juvenile, Spalding County will not release her name, date of birth, or other personally identifying information. We ask the public and media to respect the privacy of the young person and her family as she continues her recovery. Spalding County takes incidents involving dangerous or vicious animals seriously. The County will continue to follow the requirements of County ordinance, protect the integrity of the investigation, and take appropriate action based upon the facts established through that process. But today, our foremost concern is not a process or a case number. It is a young person who was seriously injured and a family supporting her through recovery.

We are also mindful that this incident could have ended very differently without people willing to act. To the victim’s brother and the school bus driver who came to her aid, Spalding County extends its sincere gratitude. When it mattered most, they stepped forward. That is courage. And that is great neighbors taking care of our community. About Spalding County Spalding County is dedicated to providing high-quality services to its residents and fostering a community of growth opportunity.

For more information, visit www.spaldingcounty.com Dr. Steve Ledbetter, County Manager 119 E. Solomon Street Griffin, Georgia 30224  www.spaldingcounty.com