Vermont: Lisa Demar was seriously injured in both her legs in a pit bull attack. Why won't anyone do anything about the dog, which is still living with its owners?

VERMONT -- Hospital visits, pain and infection have taken over a St. Albans woman's life after she was reportedly attacked by a dog.

Worried about her well-being, her family contacted WCAX saying although the attack happened this fall nothing has been done to help her.

Her daughter posted this September 11th

It's been nearly two months since Lisa Demar woke up in an ambulance face to face with a terrifying reality.

"Both legs. They got my left and down here on my right," said Demar.

 

She says she was attacked by a dog when she stopped by an acquaintance's home to pick up keys for a friend.

Now, she says her wounds and the infection that has taken over leave her in pain unable to work.

"Fighting to still keep the leg," said Demar.

Attempts to talk to the dog's owners were not successful.

WCAX wanted to ask St. Albans police what is being done about the dog, but no one would speak on camera. A police report of the incident shows the dog is still with its owners being confined to their property and it's muzzled if it's outdoors. The police do not plan to pursue further action.

My guess is that they're not doing anything because the dog was on its own property when it attacked her. She needs to get an attorney and sue them civilly. 

But for Demar, that's not enough. She wants the city to take action.

"I've only gotten like two different phone calls from two different men so I don't even know who is who," said Demar.

According to St. Albans City law, when a pet has bitten or attacked a person the victim should file a written complaint with the Animal Control Officer or City Council. That way the city council can weigh whether a hearing about putting the dog down or taking other measures would be necessary.

But when WCAX heard back from the town manager later Thursday, Demar and her family may have talked to city officials and he has talked with her lawyers, but she must file a written complaint. It is not clear if it's been explained to her that she needs to do that.

GoFundMe: "Please help raise money for my mom"
My mom was attacked by a pit bull last night, her leg was mauled and may never be the same! She will be out of work for a very long Time. She has a very long road to recovery. We are asking for people to donate anything they can to help with bills still coming in and every day needs with having a young child! Every penny will help

Update on my mom, she has an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow to find out exactly where they will begin. My mother is the strongest woman I know and she will get through this with the help and support from all of us!! Thank you so much to who has donated, and also thank you to everyone who has shared!

My mom went to the surgeon today, she was told that her leg has an infection. She will be having surgery next week. We are all very thankful for the donations we have received!

WHY DON'T PIT BULL LOVERS DONATE?

After nearly 2 months, this GoFundMe has only raised $140. If just a fraction of the people who regularly post online defending pibbles and pitties and demand that we blame the deed and not the breed and that Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers bite more... if just a fraction of these people each donated $1, this woman would have more than enough money for her medical bills. She is not going to be up and running anytime soon. She is facing months, maybe years of physical therapy and surgeries and possibly spending the rest of her life on Disability and unable to work. 

(WCAX - Nov 3, 2016)

Earlier:

• Vermont: Daughter asks for prayers after her mother was attacked by a pit bull