Monday, February 2, 2015

Fla. woman's dog mauled by neighbor's two dogs

FLORIDA -- For Erin Bigalke, very few words can express her level of gratitude.

"I am so thankful, so thankful," she said. "Molly had to have three hours of surgery."

She is thankful her dog is alive, although bruised and battered, and her 4-year-old son is safe.

The Cocker Spaniel was attacked by her neighbors two dogs, while her four year old was sitting on her shoulders.


"One dog got her from upfront and one from behind and they were dragging her away from me," she said.

It was Sunday January 18th; Bigalke said she felt helpless, holding to the dog's leash and holding on to her child.

"I've got the leash and and I'm screaming at the top of my lungs for help," she said.

It was a walk they had taken before but this time it ended ugly; her husband heard her and came running to her rescue.

"What if my son was on the ground, walking next to me when it happened?" asked Bigalke.

The vet bill is now $3,000 and she said her neighbor is not accepting liability, which surprised her.
"I think the message is be responsible for your animals," said Bigalke.

Attorney Janet Johnson said there is no question as to who is liable.

"The Florida Statute says that the dog owner, the one that bit, he is liable; he is on the hook for the damages to that dog," said Johnson.

Molly before being attacked

Johnson said given the facts there is no plausible defense for the owner of the attacking dogs.

"If your dog bites another animal you are liable I think that is something people don't know," said Johnson.

Bigalke has filed a police report with JSO and is ready to take it to court.

"I can't roll over and leave it," she said.

Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective services has opened an investigation into the incident.
Her neighbor was not available for comment.

They have set up a Go Fund Me account for Molly.

(13WMAZ - ‎Jan 31, 2015‎)



1 comment:

  1. no breed mentioned but there are tell tale signs of pit bulls. owner refuses to take responsibility and won't even open the door. hmm.

    ReplyDelete