Two Pitbulls High on Cocaine Mauled Grandma to Death

Victim’s Family Seeks Justice: Lawsuit Filed Against Multiple Parties for the Dog Attack

A brutal attack by two pit bulls in Ohio has shocked the community and reignited the debate over dangerous dog breeds and owner liability. The victim, 73-year-old Joann Echelbarger, tragically died after being mauled by the animals while working in her yard. The dogs, Echo and Apollo, belonged to her neighbors and were both high on cocaine at the time of the attack.

The incident occurred when the two aggressive pit bulls, owned by Adam and Susan Withers, attacked Echelbarger unexpectedly. Police arrived quickly and were forced to shoot the dogs, but it was too late. Echelbarger was fatally dismembered by the animals. Her husband, who suffers from dementia and is in a wheelchair, witnessed the attack but couldn’t intervene.

After attacking Echelbarger, one of the pit bulls killed another pet that was out for a walk with its owner. This violent behavior, combined with the dogs’ condition, has sparked a heated debate about the negligence of the owners and the lack of action by authorities.

In February, Adam and Susan Withers were found guilty of manslaughter.

Previous Dangerous Behavior

The attack was far from an isolated incident. Adam and Susan Withers, the dog owners, had been repeatedly warned about the dangerous behavior of their pit bulls. The Ashton Village Condominium Association sent letters and issued fines after they found the animals roaming the neighborhood. The association even filed a lawsuit after the pit bulls bit people and killed another dog.

Pickaway County Animal Control also got involved, charging Adam Withers three times for violating dangerous dog regulations. Unfortunately, all charges were dismissed.

Just weeks before Echelbarger’s tragic death, a judge ordered the removal of the pit bulls from the Withers’ property. However, the order was never enforced. Shortly after, Adam Withers was found on the street, under the influence of cocaine, with his dogs unleashed. He admitted to police that he had been using drugs, and officers reported that the dogs appeared intoxicated, with one unable to move its hind legs.

Despite these repeated warnings and legal orders, no one took effective action to control the dangerous dogs. As a result, the victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the dog owners, the county animal control officer, and the condominium association.

Understanding the Legal Consequences: Actions Against Those Responsible

After the death of Joann Echelbarger, her family has pursued legal action to seek justice. The lawsuit highlights the negligence of multiple parties involved in the attack, stressing that numerous warnings had been issued regarding the dogs’ dangerous behavior.

Investigations revealed that the pit bulls, Echo and Apollo, had cocaine in their systems at the time of the accident. Despite previous reports of aggressive behavior and other injury incidents involving the pets, neither the county animal control officer nor the condominium association took action to remove the animals. Additionally, Adam and Susan Withers failed to comply with repeated warnings and orders to remove the dogs from their property.

Who is Liable for the Dog Bite Accident?

The following is a more detailed breakdown of the dog bite liability of each of the defendants:

• Adam and Susan Withers (Dog Owners): The Withers were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and could face additional charges of gross negligence for failing to control their dogs. Under California law, dog owners are liable for any harm their pets cause, especially if they had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior and failed to take steps to prevent attacks.
• Ashton Village Condominium Homeowners Association: Despite receiving numerous complaints about the dogs’ aggressive behavior, the condo association failed to implement appropriate measures to ensure the safety of residents. While they sent notices and filed a lawsuit against the Withers, their practical inaction allowed the dangerous dogs to roam the neighborhood unsupervised.
• Pickaway County Animal Control Supervisor (Dog Warden): Despite multiple reports of the dogs’ dangerous behavior—including a previous incident of cocaine intoxication—the Animal Control Supervisor failed to take effective action to remove the dogs from the property. This failure to enforce animal control laws allowed the dogs to remain a threat to the community.

Criminal and Civil Liability for the Pit Bull Attack

The individuals and entities involved in this deadly dog attack face serious legal consequences, both criminal and civil liability. Adam and Susan Withers, the pit bulls’ owners, are at the center of the lawsuit for their reckless negligence in controlling their dangerous pets. This conduct could result in criminal charges. Additionally, the Ashton Village Homeowners Association and the Pickaway County Animal Control officer may be accountable for failing to act despite multiple warnings about the dogs’ aggression.

The dog bite and wrongful death lawsuit seeks fair compensation for the victim’s family. It covers emotional distress, medical costs, and financial losses caused by the attack.

Why Are Dog Bite Injuries So Common in California?

Although the devastating pit bull attack involving Adam and Susan Withers’ dogs occurred outside of California, the state has the highest rate of dog attacks in the nation. One key reason is that California has the largest pet population in the country—nearly 40% of households own at least one dog, increasing the likelihood of dog-human encounters.

Nationwide, an estimated 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year, with about 585,000 requiring medical attention. In California alone, dog bite injuries lead to approximately 48,500 emergency room visits annually. According to the Department of Healthcare Information and Access, the average is 125 visits per 100,000 residents.

Los Angeles County in particular faces an alarming number of attacks. The Department of Public Health reports that 20,000 residents suffer dog bites annually. Of these victims, 64% are children. These statistics underscore the growing public safety concerns surrounding dog attacks and the critical need for an increased awareness of dog bite prevention.

Legal and Financial Impact of Dog Bite Injuries

California not only has the highest number of dog bites in the country, but it also leads the nation in insurance claims related to these incidents. In 2022, 1,954 dog bite claims were filed in the state—over 11% of all claims nationwide. The total cost of these claims exceeded $143.3 million, underscoring the severity and financial impact of dog attacks.

These numbers highlight the growing concern about dog owner responsibility, stricter animal control laws, and possible breed regulations. With so many cases, an important question arises: Why does California have such a high rate of dog bite injuries?

Leading Causes of Dog Attacks in California

The rising number of dog bite incidents in California has become a serious concern. Particularly, for residents and delivery workers who face these risks daily. Many are questioning the lack of preventive measures and enforcement to address the issue. But what makes California the state with the highest rate of dog attacks? Here are some of the key factors:

• Year-Round Outdoor Activity: California’s warm climate means that people and their pets spend more time outside. This increases the likelihood of encounters and potential conflicts. Favorable weather also contributes to a larger stray dog population.
• High Ownership of Dangerous Dog Breeds: Breeds with a higher tendency for aggressive behavior, such as pit bulls, are common in California households.
• Lack of Proper Training and Socialization: Dogs that aren’t trained, are kept isolated, or are abused are more likely to be violent.
• Negligent Owners and Weak Regulations: Inconsistent enforcement of penalties for irresponsible pet owners allows dangerous situations to continue.
• Rising Number of Delivery and Service Workers: The boom in online shopping has led to more frequent interactions between dogs and delivery workers.

Let an Expert at Adamson Ahdoot Help You

A dog attack, especially from a dog like a pit bull, can result in devastating, life-changing injuries. Tragically, these incidents can sometimes be fatal, as in the case of Joann Echelbarger. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic dog bite, having a skilled personal injury lawyer is crucial. They will protect your rights and fight to secure the compensation you deserve. In California, where dog bite incidents are more common, expert legal representation is essential.

If you’ve suffered an injury from a dog attack, don’t wait to seek help. With over 100 years of combined experience, at Adamson Ahdoot we specialize in California dog bite cases. Our goal is to help clients secure justice and fair compensation for their injuries.

Take the first step toward justice now by exploring your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call (800) 310-1606 or submit your case through our website.