DARKE COUNTY – On September 14 at 11:24 AM the Darke County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a residence in the 4700 block of Clapp Road in Darke County, Ohio. The caller reported finding an unresponsive older female, covered in blood in their driveway. The victim was reportedly not breathing. Darke County Deputies, Liberty Township Fire Department and Tri-Village Rescue were dispatched to the scene. Deputies and EMS arrived and found a deceased female at the rear of the residence. The Darke County Coroner was notified and an investigator responded to the scene.
Preliminary investigation revealed the victim is identified as Mildred Malott, age 83, who resided next door to the location of this incident. Mrs. Malott walked from her residence to her neighbor’s house to inquire about chickens she found near her house the morning of the incident. Evidence suggests that when Mrs. Malott walked to the rear of the house to knock on the door, she was immediately attacked by three dogs and killed.
The residents and owners of the dogs have been identified as Scott and Pennie Royer. Mrs. Royer was awakened by noise or barking and went outside to discover Mrs. Malott down on the ground near the deck and entrance to the house. Mrs. Royer alerted her husband, Mr. Royer who came outside and they called 911. The involved dogs were secured in the house prior to first responders’ arrival.
The Royers own five dogs and three of the dogs had been let outside by Mr. Royer shortly before the attack. There is no documented prior complaints or known issues with the dogs. All five dogs were properly licensed. All five dogs were removed from the residence and turned over to the Darke County Dog Warden. The investigation and evidence has identified three dogs as being responsible for the attack and remain in the custody of the Dog Warden. Two of the dogs who were not outside at the time of the incident have been released back to the Royers. The three dogs are described as mixed-breed dogs.
Darke County Detectives have been working in partnership with the Darke County Dog Warden on this case. The case has also been reviewed by the Darke County Prosecutor. Documents will be filed with Darke County Municipal Court to have the three involved dogs designated as Vicious Dogs in accordance with Ohio’s new dog laws. The Royers have also been cited for a violation of the new Ohio law with regard to Vicious Dog acts O.R.C. 955.22, which is a misdemeanor of the third degree, based on the facts and evidence in this case.
It is important to understand that under these new laws, Ohio dog owners are responsible for the unprovoked behavior of their dogs, even on their own property. Examples, like delivery drivers, visitors, or neighbors coming to knock on your door, need to be considered.
