Portland Owner Sentenced for Dangerous Dog Attack
A judge sentenced a local owner to six months in jail after eight dogs caused severe injuries in a 2024 attack.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Dogs
A Multnomah County Circuit judge sentenced Alexandria Marie Hendon to six months in jail following a 2024 dog attack in North Portland. Hendon pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, which involved eight dogs and resulted in severe injuries to Mytoka Petry.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal responsibilities of pet owners to maintain control over their animals, as failures can lead to significant criminal charges and civil liability. The court order mandates specific rehabilitative steps, including pet ownership education and community service at an animal shelter.
The sentence includes 180 hours of community service and three years of probation, during which the defendant is prohibited from owning any domestic animals. This follows the July 2024 attack involving eight total dogs that resulted in the amputation of the victim's left arm and the loss of an ear.
The players
Alexandria Marie Hendon
The defendant sentenced for maintaining dangerous dogs that attacked a resident.
Melvin Oden-Orr
The Multnomah County Circuit Court judge who presided over the sentencing hearing.
Mytoka Petry
The victim who suffered severe injuries during the July 2024 attack.
Cierra Graham
A co-owner of the dogs involved in the attack, awaiting trial in 2026.
The details
The court sentencing followed a guilty plea for three counts of maintaining a dangerous dog and one count of second-degree robbery related to stealing dog collars. All eight dogs involved in the North Portland incident were euthanized after the attack. The sentence requires the defendant to complete a pet ownership class and perform service at an animal shelter as part of her rehabilitation.
Timeline
July 2024: Mytoka Petry was attacked by eight dogs in a North Portland homeless encampment.
October 22, 2026: Judge Melvin Oden-Orr sentenced Alexandria Marie Hendon in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
November 2026: Cierra Graham is scheduled to stand trial.
The Home Front
This case serves as a reminder of the strict liability standards under Oregon's dangerous dog statutes for pet owners in residential and public areas. Maintaining proper containment and control is essential for preventing both catastrophic personal injuries and severe legal consequences.
Pet owners should regularly inspect fencing, gates, and tethers to ensure they provide adequate containment for their animals. If you have concerns about an aggressive animal in your neighborhood, contact the local animal control agency to report the behavior and establish a formal record.
The takeaway
The consequences of failing to secure dangerous animals include potential jail time and permanent loss of pet ownership rights. Always ensure your pets are properly licensed and trained, and contact a professional animal behaviorist if you observe signs of aggression in your household.
What happens next
Cierra Graham is scheduled to go to trial in November 2026.
Further reading
For guidance on local pet ownership responsibilities, visit Dogs.
