Georgia: Lawsuit filed against Rosa Garcia after her Pit Bulls nearly tore off this man's leg

GEORGIA -- The owner of a pair of pit bulls that attacked three people in the Five Forks Trickum Road area near Lawrenceville earlier this month is now facing a lawsuit from one of the victims.

Personal injury law firm Zagoria Law announced Thursday that it filed the lawsuit against Rosa Garcia on behalf of Zhongkai Mao, 77. The suit says Mao was attacked because Garcia did not keep the dogs restrained so they wouldn’t leave her property.

The attack left Mao with deep wounds on his leg and his family previously told the Daily Post that he, at one point, faced the possibility of having his leg amputated.

“Mr. Mao is suffering severely and, according to doctors, will possibly need years of rehabilitation,” attorney Brooks Neely said in a statement. “At Zagoria Law, our priority in every dog bite case is to ensure that dog owners are held responsible for the actions of their pets when those actions cause injury to others.”

The filing of the lawsuit came as Mao began vacuum therapy on his leg. His son-in-law, Robert Davis, posted an update on a GoFundMe page Tuesday, in which he said Mao began the therapy at the hospital this week.

“If successful, he will continue long term vacuum treatment at home, which according to the social worker he will be on his own to pay for,” Davis wrote in the update. “After several weeks of treatment, skin grafts may be necessary.”

Mao’s family has been raising funds for his recovery through their GoFundMe page. He immigrated to Georgia from China earlier this year, and did not have a job or insurance to help cover his medical costs. So far, $4,255 has been raised, with a goal to raise $300,000.

In his update, Davis said the family is limited to going after Garcia’s homeowners insurance liability coverage and they expect that will be split between Mao and the other two victims in the attack.

Zagoria officials said they were not aware of any lawsuits being filed yet by the other victims.

The dogs attacked a 16-year old girl near the intersection of Five Forks Trickum Road and Emerald Forest Court on April 2. After a passerby pulled her into their car to get her away from the pit bulls, the dogs attacked Mao.

His leg was bleeding uncontrollably afterward and a tourniquet had to be applied, according to a Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement report.

The dogs then wandered into a neighborhood and severely attacked another man in his backyard.

All three victims had to be taken to local hospitals. The Animal Welfare and Enforcement report also said a car crashed on Five Forks Trickum because of the attack on the first victim.

Garcia surrendered the dogs to Animal Welfare and Enforcement officers once they discovered who the pit bulls belonged to. County officials said the dogs were later euthanized and their bodies were sent off to a lab for rabies tests, which came back negative.

(Gwinnett Daily Post - Apr 12, 2018)

Earlier:

• Georgia: Pit Bulls maul 16 year-old girl, a man in his backyard and a 77-year-old man who may lose his leg

Georgia: Pit Bulls maul 16 year-old girl, a man in his backyard and a 77-year-old man who may lose his leg

GEORGIA -- Xiaohong Davis was searching frantically for her father Monday when she got the call telling her that he was in the hospital and had been severely injured after he was attacked by a pair of pit bulls earlier in the day.

Zhong Kai Mao, 77, had been at Ronald Reagan Park and was walking home afterward. When he didn’t arrive home, his daughter went to the park but couldn’t find him. Mao immigrated to the U.S. from China two months ago and speaks little English.

Davis began to panic.

“I was waiting for him for dinner and I couldn’t find him,” Davis said. “So after I found out where he went, we looked all over, all over and then got the call from the emergency room so you can imagine what kind of a shock that is.”

Mao was one of three people attacked by pit bulls on or near Five Forks Trickum Road in unincorporated Lawrenceville on Monday. The dogs had escaped from the home of their owners and began roaming the area.

A Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement officer wrote in a report that Mao’s left calf was bleeding uncontrollably after the attack. A police officer had to apply a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, the report said.

“When he was brought in (to Gwinnett Medical Center’s emergency room), he was in critical condition,” his daughter said. “He’s been in ICU for a few days.”

On Wednesday, Mao began having heart issues and doctors had to do a cardioversion on him to get his heartbeat back to a normal rhythm.

Now Mao faces an uncertain future. He has large gaping wounds on his leg with muscle and other internal tissue visible. The wounds are so large, in fact, that doctors told his family he will need skin grafts once it’s possible to safely do the procedure.

In the meantime, doctors and family members have to wait and see what will happen. His leg may still have to be amputated. Initially, doctors told the family that amputation would be needed, but they then began trying to see if that could be avoided.

“They’re still observing and trying to treat the wounds to make sure they’re not infected because if they get infected, then they’ll still have to cut that leg off,” Davis said.

One issue complicating matters is that because Mao only recently immigrated to the U.S., he doesn’t a job to provide income or insurance to cover medical costs. Family members have set up a GoFundMe account so they can raise $300,000 to help pay for his medical expenses.

The GoFundMe page is located at www.gofundme.com/elderly-man-critically-injured.

The severity of the attack has Mao’s family upset over the fact that the dogs were able to escape from their owners’ home and attack people.

In addition to Mao, the dogs also attacked a 16-year-old girl who was also walking along Five Forks Trickum Road. After they attacked Mao, they headed up Rosa Drive and attacked another man who was in his backyard.

The family that owned the dogs surrendered them to the county’s Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division, which had the dogs euthanized and sent to a state lab for rabies testing. The dogs tested negative for rabies.

“I feel that this should be equivalent to assault with a deadly weapon and they should be prosecuted as such,” said Robert Davis, who is Xiaohong’s husband and Mao’s son-in-law. “It’s just that bad. If you take one look at my father-in-law’s leg, he’ll be lucky if he can walk on that leg again, and if he does, it’s going to require a lot of treatment and a lot of expense.

“Think about what you’re doing to somebody else’s life when you let these dogs get loose.”

Meanwhile, Mao’s daughter said she doesn’t consider pit bulls to be safe enough to be owned as pets. She said Georgia should pass a law addressing pit bull ownership. Other states have similar breed-specific laws, she said.

“I want to really, really advocate that Georgia pass the same law, like those other states, so that people cannot own this type of dog,” she said.

(gwinnettdailypost - April 5, 2018)

Georgia: Woman asks for prayers after her mother-in-law is attacked by a Pit Bull

GEORGIA -- Kerrie Spell Daniel is feeling concerned with Heather Daniel and Harold Daniel. Posted on Facebook March 17, 2018 at 9:10pm ·

Prayer request for my mother-in-law who was attacked by a pit bull recently and is some pain from the bites.

Georgia: Woman asks for prayers for her friend who was mauled by a Pit Bull

GEORGIA -- Gloria Adamson posted on Facebook March 19, 2018 ·

Hey y'all. One of my oldest dearest friends, Paula Foerster, just had heart surgery and came home doing good decided to take a walk on dr orders.

She was attacked by a pit bull and bit 4 times and severely traumatized. 

Please pray for her and keep her in your heart. She is in Gods grace and much loved by many. Thank you from my heart. I love you all.

Glenda Joy Bennett - Praying, a lady here was mauled by two pit bulls and killed last year in her yard, when working on her flowers. Your friend is Blessed to be alive.

Georgia: "My Irish Terrier was attacked by a Pit Bull today"

GEORGIA -- Betty Lamptey posted on Facebook March 16, 2018 ·

My Irish Terrier was attacked by a Pit bull today.

None of the men watching offered assistance, although I've seen them play and interact with this dog many times. One little boy ran outside with a bat ready to help. Luckily my son heard me yelling, so he ran downstairs and punched the dog in the face several times.

Those so-called men who heard me and saw the whole attack, only intervened when my son was helping by trying to put the pit to sleep..... Then the clouds came threw and it hailed for 5 minutes.

These men are not men. And have the nerve to keep asking for my phone number, and what Im doing on the weekend. Im baking brownies for the little boy who had guts to try to help.

Rico is ok, scared and a few puncture wounds but he will be fine. He has barricaded himself inside his crate..... But im so thankful it wasn't worse.

Dee Muhammad - he's loose again. call the police

Georgia: "Just want to brag on my nephew Rowan, could make this a long story, but I wont. He was attacked by a pit bull a year ago, it was terrible & scary... He has overcome being picked on about the scars from other mean children😣 he would hide his face"

GEORGIA -- India Cross posted on Facebook March 6, 2018 ·

.....Proud of Rowan
Rowan is a #gamechanger
Just want to brag on my nephew Rowan, could make this a long story, but I wont. He was attacked by a pit bull a year ago, it was terrible & scary...
He has overcome being picked on about the scars from other mean children😣 he would hide his face😣

Now..... a year later & prayers....Rowan has chosen to do the televised "news" at his school this week!!!
AND he is currently testing for gifted classes.
The boy is smart. He is an old soul.
He told the children bullying is not right ....it is wrong & to stop.
He is super special, he is not pretentious just humble.
This made my year.

(February 2018) Georgia: "King got attacked by a pit bull at the dog park"

GEORGIA -- Constance Victoria Misak posted on Facebook February 10, 2018 · Walthourville, GA ·

King got attacked by a pit bull at the dog park so when the dog left and he calmed down and he got to play he wanted to roll in the mud, and after what had happened I didn't have the heart to tell him no. Go baby boy. Do what makes you happiest. And this is what I get in return. Lol

Georgia: Puppy attacked by Pit Bull, which ripped her skin off her back

GEORGIA -- Semalynn Arnold posted on Facebook March 3, 2018 ·

Pray for my baby girl. A pit bull attacked her today. She's missing skin off of her back and is in a lot of pain. Let's pray the vets can do something for my baby 😭 I love you babygirl 💜

Update: Thanx to my mom's boyfriend. My puppy is doing good. He is an ex EMT so I trust him. He stiched her up and bandaged her up for me. I'm so glad to know my baby is running around and doing good now. 😊

Georgia: Emory Samples, 70, accused of dragging a dog behind his truck then cutting him loose and abandoning it to die in the woods

GEORGIA -- Deputies with Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 70-year-old man accused of dragging a dog behind his truck in the northern end of the county.

According to Cpl. Doug Rainwater, spokesman for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Emory Junior Samples was arrested for felony cruelty to animals around 1:15 p.m. Monday after witnesses reported a dog running and being pulled behind an older Ford truck on Settingdown Road.

Rainwater said that witnesses reported the vehicles license plate number, and deputies quickly found the suspected vehicle off of Martin Road.

He said that the dog was found abandoned in the woods close to Settingdown Road and required immediate medical attention.

Samples had to have pulled over, cut the dog loose and then dumped him in the woods to die before driving off.

Rainwater said that deputies found blood in the bed of Samples truck.

Samples was arrested and taken to the Forsyth County Detention Center, and no bond has been set yet.

(Forsyth News - February 5, 2018)

Georgia: Hero neighbor pulls attacking pit bulls off 9-year-old boy

GEORGIA -- A woman is being credited with saving a boy’s life after three pit bulls attacked him in metro Atlanta.

The boy was attacked Wednesday night in a Loganville neighborhood. Police said three pit bulls somehow got loose and first jumped on the 9-year-old boy.

The Pit Bull owner lives in the dark gray house

The neighbor saw what was going on, jumped in and was able get the pit bulls off of him.

“I pushed the dogs away, I managed to get them off of his face,” said Svetlana Reut.

 

 

 

Police said the next-door neighbor and owner of the dogs finally showed up and got control of the pit bulls.

The boy received severe injuries to his face and was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

“He had severe lacerations to face and to his neck,” said Loganville city spokesperson Robbie Schwartz.

 

 

Reut was hospitalized for her injuries. She has bites and darkening bruises all over her body. One tooth was nearly knocked out.

“They gnawed on my face here. They nicked my tooth here, I had to get braces. This was a pretty deep wound,” Reut said.

“My thing was just to save him, that was a lot more important,” Reut said.

 

 

 

 

The boy suffered severe injuries to his face and neck. He had to undergo plastic surgery.

The boy's family said he is recovering but they are asking for privacy at this time.

The dogs were taken to animal control, where they will be quarantined for 10 days. Animal control officials said the dogs’ futures have not been decided yet.

 

 

Authorities said the owner has not been charged.

“He’s been very cooperative. He has cooperated with animal control,” Schwartz said.

WSBTV NEWS CLIP:

(WSBTV - January 26, 2018)

Georgia: Shelley Johnson Jr., 35, arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty, Dog Fighting and more

Full Name: Shelley Davis Johnson Jr
Address: 2732 Cherry Ave, Macon, Georgia 31204
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Height: 5'07"
Weight: 190 lbs
Hair Color: BLK
Eye Color: BRO
Year of Birth: 1982

Arrest Age: 35

Arrest Date: 01/17/2018
Arresting Agency: Bibb
Location: Bibb County, Georgia
Charges
#1 THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY
STATUTE: 16-8-7 2354

#2 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
STATUTE: 16-12-4(B) 6210

#3 PROHIBIT DOG FIGHTING AND RELATED CONDUCT
STATUTE: 16-12-37(B) 3911

#4 AGGRAVATED BATTERY
STATUTE: 16-5-24 1340

#5 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
STATUTE: 16-5-21 1318

Georgia: Golden Retriever named Ollie attacked by Pit Bull at dog park

GEORGIA -- While at Parkgrounds in East Atlanta,  Ollie the Golden Retriever was viciously attacked by a Pit Bull.

Ollie's owners have created an Instagram page just for him. Why? Just look at that face. He simply can't take a bad photo. Also, Golden Retrievers have been purposely bred for years to be docile and sweet. That's why they are so often used as guide dogs. I have never read a story about a purebred Golden Retriever mauling anyone - and I've read a lot of dog attack stories.

*   *   *   *   *   *

_olliethegolden_
The way to get new toys and hand-fed frosty paws is NOT the way I'd recommend! Luckily, I'm on track for a full recovery and should be cleared to play in the next 2-3 weeks! Be safe in those dog parks, fellow puppers.

remythegermanshep
Oh no I’m so sorry!! You look like you’re in good hands and you’re being spoiled though here’s to a speedy recovery!

_olliethegolden_@remythegermanshep
thank you

goldenrooboo
Aww, poor thing. And Golden’s are the least aggressive breed. I hope there is no permanent damage. We don’t ever take Rudy to dog parks for that reason. I’d rather know every dog/owner well instead of taking potluck at the park.

_olliethegolden_@goldenrooboo
lesson definitely learned. We will never go to another dog park for that reason. It was awful.

beckett_and_brody@_olliethegolden_
You must have been so afraid. Was it a larger dog? So glad Ollie is ok. We’ll pray for quick healing. And prayers for you both too!

_olliethegolden_@beckett_and_brody
it was a 5yr old pit mix. We're very thankful and very lucky Ollie will be okay. Thank you so much for the prayers. We're receiving them fully and gladly accepting all the prayers we can get.

annabellejeanlevy
Aw poor baby! What dog park did this happen at?

_olliethegolden_@annabellejeanlevy
it is called Parkgrounds in East Atlanta

greenwald31
Ohh my Gosh !!! Poor little boy . Tucker was attacked by a pit also twice . Both times he had to have stitches on his ear. I am very sorry hope he gets better soon .

(Instagram - January 8, 2018)

Georgia: 3-year-old boy flown to Atlanta hospital after being attacked by his family's dog

GEORGIA -- A 3-year-old boy is recovering at an Atlanta hospital after he was bitten in his head by the family dog, an official said.

The child was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital after the attack Thursday, Polk County police Chief Kenny Dodd told the Polk County Standard Journal.

The incident happened at a residence near Rockmart.

The dog is being held after the attack, Dodd said. The type of dog is not known.

The boy received stitches to his head, according to the report.

(The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Jan. 5, 2018)

Georgia: Woman asks for her prayers after her dad is attacked by a Pit Bull

GEORGIA -- Chelsea Dover was feeling worried. Posted on Facebook January 3, 2018 ·

If it's not one bad thing, it's another!

Will everyone plz keep my poor daddy Gary Dover in your prayers also?

On his way home from hospital this morning he got attacked by a pit bull and it hurt him pretty bad! He's lucky to be alive bc it went for his throat! 

He's at the hospital right now.. plz say a prayer for him a quick recovery. Thank you all for your support. I love you daddy! 😭💔

Georgia: Man's dog attacked by neighbor's Pit Bull

GEORGIA -- Chris Loden added 3 new photos to Facebook December 15, 2017 at 7:57am · Roswell, GA ·

When your poor dog gets attacked by the neighbor's Pit bull first thing cuz they don't keep their dogs on a leash actions have to be taken any of my friends fencing installers need some help ASAP