Dog Involved in Attack Outside Whiteford Elementary to Be Surrendered

SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The dog involved in a violent attack on a parent outside Whiteford Elementary School earlier this month is expected to be voluntarily surrendered, according to an update from Sylvania Schools.

District officials said they have been working closely with Lucas County Canine Care and Control and the county’s Chief Dog Warden. The dog’s owner has indicated plans to surrender the animal on Tuesday.

The update follows an incident on the morning of December 8, when a parent was attacked outside the elementary school during student drop-off. Surveillance video captured a dog running from a nearby residence and charging toward a mother and her young child. The parent lifted her son as the dog lunged, then the animal latched onto the woman’s leg and dragged her across the ground while she continued to hold onto her child.

Police reports indicate the dog came from behind a home in the 4700 block of Whiteford. During the attack, the dog’s owner ran toward the scene and attempted to pull the dog away. The animal did not initially respond but eventually released its grip, allowing the parent and child to reach the school lobby. The parent suffered injuries to her leg and hand. The child was not injured.

According to the police report, the dog’s owner told officers the animal escaped after a back door was left open while leashes were being retrieved from a sunroom.

Whiteford Elementary was placed under a soft lockdown during the incident as first responders assisted the injured parent. School officials later confirmed that the situation was contained quickly and that students inside the building were safe.

Sylvania Schools said the incident prompted a review of existing safety protocols and communication procedures. District leaders acknowledged that parent and community advocacy played a role in the decision to surrender the dog.

Lucas County Canine Care and Control continues to investigate the incident. The dog had previously been designated as dangerous, and the owner was cited for failure to vaccinate against rabies. A court date has not yet been scheduled.

A Sylvania school board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, where the incident and additional safety concerns are expected to be discussed.

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