VIRGINIA -- A former receptionist at a Chesapeake animal hospital who was mauled at work last year by a Rottweiler is suing the dog's owners.
Erinn Booth Dukeman, 22, who worked at Hickory Veterinary Hospital until about a year ago, claims David Dixon and his wife, Gretchen, did not do enough March 25, 2011, to protect her from their dog, Harley. As a result of the attack, she suffered severe scars to her mouth and face, the lawsuit said.
Robert McFarland, Dukeman's attorney, said his client has had at least two surgeries and continues to undergo laser treatments to repair some of the scarring. He said she has lost some feeling in her lips.
The Dixons did not return several calls for comment or a message left at their door.
According to the lawsuit, which seeks $300,000 in damages, Harley had previously bitten at least one other person before attacking Dukeman.
Despite knowing the dog's history, David Dixon did not use a muzzle or leash to restrain Harley the day of the attack, the lawsuit said.
When Harley became agitated in the exam room, David Dixon tried to secure the dog by holding the animal's mouth and putting an arm around his neck, according to the lawsuit.
Kelly O'Sullivan, a spokeswoman for the Chesapeake Police Department, said the city's Animal Services Unit is aware of one other dog bite involving Harley. In the first incident, the dog bit the hand of one of his owners in December 2009.
O'Sullivan said Harley was not declared dangerous after the first bite. After the attack at the animal hospital, Harley was quarantined at the Dixons' home for 10 days.
"We have had no contact since," O'Sullivan said, indicating no charges were filed and the dog was never taken from the family.
While Harley has never been deemed dangerous, Dukeman said in the lawsuit the Dixons "should have known that Harley was a dangerous dog and posed a threat to (her) physical safety, and the physical safety of others."
(The Virginian-Pilot - September 11, 2012)
