The morning of March 21, 2022, Kyleen Waltman was walking down Ball Road in Honea Path in Abbeville County. Around 10:30am that morning, she was viciously attacked by three dogs. A nearby neighbor saw the attack, got a gun and fired it into the air to get the dogs off Waltman according to her sister, Sheena Green. Waltman was airlifted to the hospital for treatment. Ultimately, both of Waltman's arms had to be amputated due to the severity of her injuries.
Many in the community contributed to Kyleen Waltman's medical care via a GoFundMe page that was set up for her after the attack. The community raised over $350,000 for assistance.
On February 15, 2024, a law suit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas against Abbeville County. According to a release by Waltman's Attorneys, the suit alleges Abbeville County and County Animal Services mishandled complaints "about the aggressive and dangerous behavior of the dogs involved in the attack."
The suit states that Animal Services received repeated notice that vicious, unrestrained dogs, were in the area of Ball Road. Two incidents are included in the suit from February 23, 2021 and December 25, 2021. The suit goes on to say had Animal Services taken proper action, the attack on Waltman would not have happened.
To read the entire lawsuit, CLICK HERE.
The lawsuit did not disclose any specific financial compensation, only that the Plaintiff is entitled to "judgment against the Defendant for damages in the appropriate amount." A jury trial has been requested.
The owner of the dogs, Justin Minor, was arrested and charged. All three dogs were immediately euthanized after the attack on Waltman.