Dr. Files Suit Against County Due to Lack of Protection

Susy Owen

Attorney

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The law protects dog owners' rights as much as it tries to ensure public safety. Accordingly, the county Animal Services Department will not remove your dog just because someone merely thinks the dog is vicious. Dr. Nancy Matthews, a 47-year-old Valley Center equine veterinarian, says she suffered as a result.

In November 2006, Dr. Matthews was with her two sons, 8 and 11-years old when she was mauled by two dogs. These particular dog, boxers, had previously bitten two other people and were on the loose near her house. Due to that fact, she is suing Animal Services, alleging that the department failed to investigate previous bites by the dogs and take steps to protect the public. Imagine your children watching their mother being attacked by two dogs. These boxers were tearing at their mother's scalp, arms, legs and back, which necessitated blood transfusions amoung other forms of treatment. The attack left a multitude of scars on the doctor in addition to indentations on her body where tissue was torn away from her body during the dog attack.

According to the county Animal Services, no mandatory duty was breached by them. As far as they are concerned, the culprit is the owner of the dogs. They claim they have to jump through hoops in trying to restrain dangerous dogs (see original article for full details). According to the county, the best action is self-defense. The best of luck to all of us with that advise.