A long-standing feud between neighbors over a dog and backyard chickens escalated into gunfire Saturday evening in rural Pickaway County, prompting a police response and a pending investigation.
Deputies from the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Buckeye Trails Mobile Home Park on State Route 762 around 6:23 p.m. after reports of gunshots and shouting. One caller reported hearing multiple shots, while another claimed his neighbor had shot his dog and brandished a firearm.
Upon arrival, deputies and Ashville Police learned that a pit bull had been shot after reportedly approaching a chicken coop on the neighbor’s property. According to the property owner, the dog had previously attacked and killed his chickens, and he fired a single round from a 9mm Glock in an attempt to protect them. The dog was struck in the shoulder and survived.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter admitted the dog was not acting aggressively toward him at the time of the incident. A spent shell casing was recovered from the scene, and the 9mm firearm was secured by police.
Tensions between the neighbors had apparently been building, with prior complaints involving the dog and threats exchanged through social media. The dog’s owner acknowledged that the two had argued in the past and admitted to making a verbal threat to kill the man, during the altercation out of anger.
Witnesses offered conflicting accounts about whether the shooter pointed the gun at anyone. One side claimed the firearm was only held, not aimed; the other alleged it was waved in their direction.
No arrests have been made, and the dog warden is expected to follow up with both parties. The dog was rushed to emergency care in Columbus on Sunday. The incident remains under review by the Pickaway County Prosecutor’s Office.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
