Introduction
Two dogs with a history of aggression in an Asheville neighborhood were involved in a fatal attack that claimed the life of a woman and her dog. The incident, which occurred six days ago, has drawn attention to the negligence of the dogs’ owners, Adam and Susan Withers. The couple is now facing involuntary manslaughter charges. This tragic event has sparked concern in the community, as it was revealed that the dogs had a history of aggressive behavior and that their owners failed to take the necessary precautions to control them. The following account explores the disturbing details surrounding the dogs’ behavior, the owners’ neglect, and the consequences that led to the fatal attack.
The Attack and Victim
The violent attack took place in an Asheville neighborhood, resulting in the death of a woman and a dog. Sheriff’s deputies were forced to euthanize the two dogs involved shortly after the incident. The attack, which has shocked the community, is the culmination of years of aggressive behavior by the dogs, which many neighbors, including Kenzie Jones, had been aware of. The woman who died in the attack has not been named in this report, but her death has raised serious concerns about the safety measures taken by the dogs’ owners.
Aggression and Neglect by the Dogs’ Owners
Adam and Susan Withers owned the two dogs involved in the fatal attack. According to Kenzie Jones, a former resident of the same neighborhood, the dogs had shown signs of aggression for several years. Jones had rented a condo in the neighborhood and, during her stay, had experienced firsthand the uncontrollable behavior of the dogs. She described them as “out of control,” stating that their owner was unable to handle them properly during walks and that the dogs often broke free from their leashes. This led to a growing sense of fear and frustration among neighbors, with many voicing concerns that were left unaddressed.
In the past year alone, court records revealed that Adam Withers had four municipal filings against him related to the dogs. These filings included complaints about the dogs’ dangerous behavior and the owners’ failure to control them.
Previous Attack on Kenzie Jones’s Mother
One of the dogs had a violent encounter with Kenzie Jones’s mother before the fatal attack. Last year, Jones’s mother, who had adopted a golden doodle puppy named Nemo, became a victim of the dogs’ aggression. While walking Nemo in the neighborhood, one of the Withers’ dogs escaped from its owner’s garage and immediately attacked her. The dog first latched onto her arm, severely injuring her, before pursuing and fatally attacking her puppy. Jones’s mother was able to get away, but Nemo did not survive the vicious encounter. Jones recounted how her mother continues to grieve the loss of her beloved emotional support animal.
Legal Inaction and Dangerous Dog Designation
Following the attack on Jones’s mother, the dog responsible was deemed a dangerous animal by the Pickaway County dog warden. However, despite this designation, Adam Withers failed to meet the legal requirements to keep the dog safely under control. By December of last year, Withers had been cited for not fulfilling the conditions for keeping a dangerous dog, and by May of the following year, he still had not complied with the requirements. These conditions typically include securing the dog in an enclosed area and maintaining proper control over the animal at all times. Despite the repeated citations and warnings, no further action was taken to remove the dogs from the Withers’ home.
Community Concerns and Authorities’ Response
The failure to act on the dogs’ dangerous behavior has left the community and victims’ families in shock. Jones expressed disbelief and frustration over the lack of enforcement by local authorities, stating that the dogs should have been removed from the Withers’ home long before the fatal attack. She described her feelings as “disgusted” and “in shock,” especially given that the attack could have been prevented if the court had taken appropriate action earlier.
Although Asheville has ordinances in place to manage dangerous dogs and those running at large, enforcement is ultimately the responsibility of the courts. In this case, the courts failed to act decisively, leaving the dogs in a situation where they could cause further harm. Local authorities have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with many questioning why more was not done sooner.
Conclusion
The tragic death of a woman and her dog in Asheville has drawn attention to the dangerous behavior of the two dogs involved, as well as the negligence of their owners, Adam and Susan Withers. Despite years of warnings, complaints, and legal citations, the dogs were allowed to remain in the neighborhood, posing a threat to residents. The owners’ failure to control their pets, coupled with the courts’ inaction, led to this preventable tragedy. Now, as the Withers face manslaughter charges, the community is left to grapple with the consequences of these failures. The case highlights the importance of enforcing dangerous dog laws to prevent further loss of life.
