Tragic Dog Park Accident Raises Safety Concerns

On October 29, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Bumble's Backyard, a private dog park and bar in south Franklinton, Columbus. Bree, an Irish setter owned by Kelly Reardon, ran through a gate at the facility and was fatally struck by a vehicle shortly after.

Reardon expressed concern that Bumble's had not shared details about the incident with other members or the public for over a week. She also noted that another dog had escaped the park just days before Bree's death, raising alarm that the issue was known but unaddressed.

In response, Bumble's Backyard released a statement on November 11, 2025, confirming the gate conditions were inspected and new safety measures were being implemented. The owners also acknowledged that earlier in the week, a dog had escaped due to guests not following proper double-gate protocol, though the owner was able to safely recover their pet.

The incident has sparked debate, with some arguing that such accidents are unpredictable and owners remain responsible, while others believe Bumble's should have acknowledged potential flaws in its gate system or reinforced safety protocols sooner. Reardon believes the tragedy was preventable and unexpected at the private facility she considered higher quality.

Bumble's has since added new reminders, monitoring, and a magnetic latch system to further reduce the chance of accidents. The owners also said they are working with local officials to address road safety around the park. As private off-leash facilities become more common, this case highlights the importance of robust safety measures and clear communication to protect both pets and their owners.