L.A. Animal Services Rehomed a Pit Bull that “Nearly Took Off a Woman’s Arm”

The Los Angeles City Council authorized a record $7.5 million settlement resulting from a pit bull attack on a 74-year-old woman from Van Nuys. According to the lawsuit, in May 2020, a pit bull named O’Gee attacked a jogger in Los Angeles. At the time, a city animal control officer noted the vicious nature of the attack and recommended a hearing to consider euthanizing the dog. Instead, a supervisor at the city’s East Valley Animal Shelter authorized giving O’Gee to the public rather than one of the many rescue partners who could have given O’Gee a safe home. On June 18, 2020, shelter employees adopted out O’Gee to the adult son of the attack victim without first warning him about O’Gee’s violent history. Three months later, O’Gee mauled the victim in her own backyard, severely injuring both of her arms and nearly chewing off her right arm.

Elements of negligence 

In this case, city employees made several egregious errors in judgment that led to a preventable mauling. These include:

• Ignoring shelter records showing that O’Gee was dangerous
• Failing to conduct a required dangerous dog hearing
• Failing to test O’Gee’s temperament or behavior
• Adopting out O’Gee after only five days in the main kennel
• Overlooking signs of abnormal temperament during a playdate and on a leash
• Authorizing the adoption of O’Gee to the public despite available rescue groups
• Failing to tell the dog’s prospective owner that the dog had a history of mauling people

The plaintiff now must live the rest of her life with severe disabilities. She sued the city for violating California’s “Truth in Pet Adoption law.” The city attempted to challenge that law despite having endorsed it a few months earlier. Ultimately, the court ruled in the plaintiff’s favor. O’Gee was subsequently euthanized after the attack.

Public animal shelters are having a difficult time right now. Overcrowding, financial shortfalls, and unsafe working conditions are common. Cities like Los Angeles have adopted a “no-kill” philosophy which is causing many of these animals to be released to the public with tragic consequences. As a result, shelter dogs from cities like Los Angeles have mauled many innocent people including adopters, fosters, shelter workers, and volunteers. The situation is getting worse, according to some.

Settlement award sets record for L.A. 

This most recent award surpassed the $6.8 million jury verdict issued to a former Los Angeles Animal Services shelter volunteer. In this incident, which occurred in 2019, the victim was putting Jaxx, a 100-pound German shepherd mix, inside of a kennel when he bit her, once again, nearly ripping her arm off. As she searched the facility for help, the victim dragged herself and the dog for nearly 5 minutes. Jaxx’s intake card had no information on his history, which included biting his previous owner.

Talk to an Oakland, CA Dog Bite Attorney Today 

Venardi Zurada represents the interests of individuals who suffered injury due to dog bites. Call our Oakland personal injury lawyers today to schedule a consultation, and we can begin investigating your case right away.

Source:

animals24-7.org/2024/06/16/7-5-million-award-for-mauling-by-pit-bull-rehomed-from-l-a-animal-services/