Boy Mauled by Pit Bulls in Savage Attack Left Unconscious for Days

Oscar Koon, an 8-year-old boy from Ohio, remains unconscious in the intensive care unit (ICU) six days after being mauled by two pit bulls in Columbus' North Linden neighborhood.

The severe attack, which occurred on March 2, left the child with critical injuries to his face and arms. According to The Columbus Dispatch, the boy's parents have maintained a constant vigil at his bedside while their 6-year-old daughter stays with relatives.

Newsweek contacted the Franklin County Animal Control for additional comment via email on Saturday.

The Context

Dog bites can cause pain, injury, and spread germs that cause infection. Nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog requires medical attention. Any dog can bite especially when scared, nervous, eating, or when playing or protecting toys or puppies. Dogs may also bite when they aren't feeling well and want to be left alone, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This latest incident highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog regulations and enforcement in residential neighborhoods. Records show that the owner whose dogs attacked Koon had previous incidents involving their animals, raising questions about accountability and public safety measures.

What To Know

The attack occurred just before 1 p.m. in the 3000 block of Hiawatha Street, according to local authorities. Neighbors who witnessed the attack called 911 and reported that two pit bulls attacked the boy before turning on another dog and lunging at a neighbor who defended himself with a shovel.

Bodycam footage released by Columbus police showed the dramatic scene as an officer fatally shot one of the dogs upon arrival. The second pit bull was later seized and euthanized by Franklin County Animal Control.

According to county records, a property on Carolyn Avenue, about two blocks from the victim's home, had been investigated for a previous dog bite incident in June 2024. In that case, a dangerous dog designation was made but charges against the owner were later dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, two dogs described in the June incident are similar to the ones seen on the body camera footage following the attack on Koon.

What People Are Saying

Rebecca Hook, Oscar's aunt, told The Columbus Dispatch: "Their life has been shattered. They are living minute to minute, and they have a lot of support... but the reality of their day-to-day (life) is unbearable."

She added: "We believe that this is about the owner. We don't believe that pit bulls are inherently evil animals and that if they had been cared for properly, this outcome could have been avoided."

The Koon family's statement: "Our priority at this time is ensuring that Oscar receives the best medical care and emotional support that he needs," adding they are "heartbroken" by what they called a "preventable event."

The Koon family also thanked Columbus officer: "Officer [Jimmy] Dickson had pulled up and could tell that there were minutes, not hours, to work with, and put them in the back of the cruiser and drove them to the hospital and carried my nephew in."

What Happens Next?

Oscar faces a lengthy recovery that will likely include facial reconstruction, physical and occupational therapy, and psychological support to address trauma from the attack. Supporters can send a greeting card to the young boy here.

The Columbus City Attorney's Office plans to pursue multiple misdemeanor charges against the dogs' owner, including failure to register a previously designated dangerous dog and failure to confine dogs. The maximum penalties could include up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $250 for each of the dangerous dog charges, plus additional fines for the confinement violations.

The case remains under investigation, with the family expressing their support for criminal charges while focusing primarily on their son's recovery and healing.