The Darke County community is mourning the death of Mildred Malott, 83, who was fatally attacked by three dogs outside a neighbor’s home on September 14, 2026.
According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call at approximately 11:24 a.m. reporting an unresponsive woman in the driveway of a residence in the 4700 block of Clapp Road. Emergency personnel from the Liberty Township Fire Department and Tri-Village Rescue responded, and Malott was found deceased at the rear of the property.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Mildred Malott |
| Age | 83 |
| Date | September 14, 2026 |
| Location | 4700 block of Clapp Road, Darke County, Ohio |
| Incident | Fatal dog attack |
| Dogs Involved | Three mixed-breed dogs |
| Emergency Call | Approximately 11:24 a.m. |
| Agencies | Darke County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Township Fire Department, Tri-Village Rescue |
| Dog Owners | Scott and Pennie Royer |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
| Legal Action | Owners cited for a vicious-dog violation |
Investigators said Malott lived next door to the residence. Earlier that morning, she had walked to her neighbors’ home to ask about chickens she had found near her property. As she approached the rear of the residence to knock on the door, authorities said three dogs attacked her near the entrance deck.
The property owners, identified as Scott and Pennie Royer, reportedly had five mixed-breed dogs. The sheriff’s office said all five were properly licensed and that there were no documented previous complaints or known issues involving the animals.
Following the attack, the Darke County Dog Warden initially took custody of all five dogs. Investigators later determined that three had been involved in the attack, while the other two had remained inside and were returned to their owners. The three dogs involved remain in the Dog Warden’s custody.
The Royers were cited with a third-degree misdemeanor under Ohio Revised Code 955.22 relating to a vicious-dog act. Authorities also said documents would be filed with Darke County Municipal Court seeking to have the three dogs officially designated as vicious dogs.
For Malott’s family, friends and neighbors, her death represents the sudden loss of a longtime community member. The circumstances of the tragedy have left those who knew her grieving a life that ended during what began as an ordinary visit to a neighboring property.