Carson Zorn
•7/30/2026
A man was arrested on July 23 in connection with a dog bite that injured a 3-year-old on Marco Island in November 2025. According to the Collier County Clerk of Courts, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Kevin Hennings on July 10 on a charge of dog owner reckless disregard. On July 23, Collier County deputies met with Hennings at the entrance to the Naples Jail Center and placed him under arrest, the arrest report said. Hennings filed a waiver of arraignment and a written plea of not guilty. The arrest stems from a November 2025 incident on Marco Island where a 3-year-old girl was bitten by Hennings' dog at the Red Rooster Restaurant, according to the Marco Island Police Report. According to MIPD, the 3-year-old girl, Ava, had asked Hennings if she could pet his dog, which is a Belgian Malinois, and according to Hennings, a service dog. Ava reached out and petted the dog, which turned its head toward her and bit her once in the face, MIPD said. She and the dog were immediately separated. Ava was then airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center, MIPD said. Ava had to have reconstructive surgery on her face, according to her family. The warrant issued by the State Attorney's Office said that Hennings "had knowledge of his dog's dangerous propensities, but demonstrated a reckless disregard for such propensities and his dog attacked and caused severe injury." DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
