On Sunday, August 4, Jennifer Evans dropped a Facebook post claiming that a man playing golf at Chardon Lakes course “trespassed” into her family’s yard to retrieve a ball around 12 PM. The post alleged, “When our dog Milo, who is friendly, approached him, he whacked Milo on the left side of his head with a golf club. I heard the horrible shreik and didn’t see it, but my neighbor did. Milo was not threatening or even barking.”

It seems Milo’s “Yelp” has finally been answered. The four-legged furry friend was left badly injured, and Jennifer Evans responded to the scene immediately. When she came across Milo at the house, his nose was bleeding, and he would not open his eyes. She also mentioned that the golfer and the group of four he was with “just continued to play on.” She concluded her post by urging people to provide her with information on the suspect.

She rushed him to the emergency veterinary hospital. Fortunately, after taking Milo to the ER vet, she was relieved to know that her dog only suffered soft tissue injuries and would be alright. It was then that she took her worries to the police at 2:15 PM. And now, there has been some breakthrough.

A Facebook post by the Chardon Police Department entailed a press release that arrived two days after the incident, revealing the details of the investigation and the dog’s health. The statement began with what could lead many to breathe a sigh of relief, “DOG STRUCK BY GOLFER RECOVERING.” Further, the cops have identified the subject, thanks to a partial description that Ms. Evans gave the Chardon Police Department and a bit of help from the Chardon Lakes Golf Course management, whom the police said were cooperative in the investigation.

The police report further mentioned they had spoken with the subject. As for the charges, the statement read, “The subject is not being identified at this time pending a review of the case by the Geauga County Prosecutor, and determination of appropriate charges to be filed.”

Evans’ Facebook post went viral and eventually caught the attention of the golf community on various social platforms. Many were enraged at what happened, following the story for days. After the whole ordeal, the fans didn’t shy away from expressing their relief. But, have you ever wondered how the state laws might work to give Milo and his guardian Evans justice?

The man is in for trouble, considering the strict Ohio State laws around animal cruelty

As per the laws in Ohio, where the Chardon Lakes Golf Course is situated, Section 959.02 of the Ohio Revised Code states that killing or injuring animals, maliciously or willfully, without the owner’s consent is prohibited. Any violation of the same for the first time is either a first- or a second-degree misdemeanor. Moreover, it would carry a penalty of 90–180 days in jail, including fines. However, subsequent violations will be considered fifth-degree felonies leading to prison time.

Consequently, one fan couldn’t help but comment, “Hit them with a civil suit and make them pay. I don’t care if the dog runs and picks the ball up on the green and drops it in the hole, just unacceptable.

It is quite evident that the state doesn’t tolerate animal cruelty. Just check out how Goddard’s Law, passed in 2016, handles cases of animal cruelty when it applies to pet owners/caretakers of companion or working dogs, veterinarians, and scientific authorities. Famously known as the H.B. 60, the law states how it would be considered a felony even if it was a first-time offense in the case of the animal suffering serious physical harm. For the same, the accused, if found guilty, will be punished with up to a year in prison and a $2500 fine.

A fan who claimed to be a golfer himself demanded strict punishment for the suspect writing, “I am a golfer but that guy needs some jail time!”

While many were leaning toward the lawful side of things, some were keener on emotionally responding to the atrocity committed against the “friendly” doggo. A fan commented, “Throw the book at this low-life POS,” all the while throwing a jab at the suspect who committed the on-course attack, which many golfing enthusiasts had dubbed nothing short of “terrible.” 

Meanwhile, one can’t help but agree with another user on X as they commented, “What kind of sick **** hits a friendly dog with a club in their own yard?!!!!! This is horrible.” The press release by the police about identifying the suspect would come as a big relief for Evans especially after her earlier Facebook update stated that the suspect may get away.

She had mentioned, “The police and Chardon Lakes tried to narrow down the foursomes who might’ve been playing at that time, contacted a couple of people, but nobody claimed to have had an incident with a dog on the course today (of course). So now this jerk will not be held accountable in any way.”

However, after the positive update on the investigation with the police nabbing the culprit, she thanked people for their help and support.