False Report Leads to Tragic Dog Shooting in Madison Township

On the morning of July 21, law enforcement officers responded to a false emergency call in Madison Township. The caller falsely claimed that a “grandma” had been shot in the kitchen of a home on the 3300 block of South Hamilton Road, near Hott Road.

Both Madison Township police and Franklin County sheriff’s deputies rushed to the scene. But when they arrived, instead of finding a victim, they encountered three dogs. In the confusion, officers opened fire, shooting all three dogs and killing one.

The incident is not only a tragic example of the dangers of false reporting—it also highlights the urgent need for law enforcement training on interacting safely with pets during emergency responses. Dogs are often a family’s first line of defense or simply curious when strangers enter their homes. Without proper training and de-escalation practices, these moments can too easily end in heartbreak.

At Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA), we mourn the loss of this dog and recognize the trauma such incidents cause families and communities. Situations like this underscore the need for stronger accountability measures and policies that protect both people and pets.

How You Can Help

We invite you to channel your concern into action. OAA’s current action alerts give you the tools to speak up for animals at the local, state, and federal levels.

Incidents like the Madison Township shooting reflect a broader need for stronger animal cruelty prevention and accountability measures in Ohio. Please take a moment to support our state action alert to Support Increased Penalties for Animal Cruelty. By urging legislators to pass stronger protections, we can help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

Your voice matters. Together, we can hold systems accountable and work toward a safer, more compassionate Ohio—for people and pets.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch