Dog walker sued over allegedly 'ferocious' dog attack that left three year old with facial scars

GRETNA – The father of a girl who was allegedly bitten in the face by a dog is suing the girl’s mother as well as others over her injuries.

Emmett Pierce, on behalf of his minor daughter, filed suit against Laverne Pitts, Danielle C. Reisgen, Pet Sitter’s Associates LLC, Lisa Strain, Lisa’s Dog Walking Services, Essex Insurance Company and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 18.

Pierce contends that on Aug. 20, 2013 Pitts contacted Strain, an employee of Pet Sitter’s Associates, to watch her dog at her residence over a period of time in late September, including a few days when Reisgen would substitute for her. The plaintiff asserts that when Reisgen went to Pitts’ home to become acquainted with the animals she took her two children, including the minor plaintiff. Pierce claims that while in the home his daughter attempted to pet Pitts’ Brittany Spaniel and was attacked and bitten on the face.

The plaintiff alleges that his daughter has permanent scarring on her cheek, including two-centimeter and four-centimeter lacerations, that will require scar removal treatment consisting of at least four laser procedures.

The defendant is accused of failing to muzzle a vicious dog, failing to restrain or kennel a vicious dog, failing to supervise and protect a small child in the presence of an unfamiliar animal, failing to adequately train dog sitters, failing to warn of the nature of the dog, failing to supervise the dog in the presence of small child, failing to protect third persons from a vicious dog and failing to exclude a small child from the home of a vicious dog.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for facial pain and scarring, emotional distress and medical expenses.

Pierce is represented by Ellen Cronin Badeaux of Covington.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Nancy A. Miller.

Case no. 742-598.