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Pit Bull Attack Victim Files Lawsuit; Appears on Discovery Channel

Potent, Vocal Victim
Spanaway, WA - Back in October, we wrote about pit bull attack victim Ona Deane-Gordly. In 2006, while conducting a survey at the Maple Glen Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, WA, a pit bull-mix leapt onto her head from a second-story balcony. The dog peeled her scalp from her skull and ripped her teeth and gums from her jaw. Deane-Gordly spent weeks in the hospital. Since the attack, she has endured many surgeries to reconstruct her scalp and repair tendons torn by the dog.


From left: Ona now and then, apartment complex and pit bull.

Now she is preparing a lawsuit to bring about changes in the law.

Her attorney, J.D. Smith, said, "I think they're needs to be more consideration for people that may be hurt from dogs that may be housed in this setting." Smith wants monetary compensation -- but also a change in the law, which would require renters to show proof that their dog is not a danger to others. "Knowing that they could be held liable could require them to address safety which is what we're really after," he said. Deane-Gordly also wants dog regulations tightened for apartment owners.

Sunday, March 1, Featured on the Discovery Channel

Deane-Gordly's story will be featured on the Discovery Channel this Sunday in a show called "Bitten." It appears to be Episode 4, but it is difficult to tell from the description. Please check your local listings for times.

Related articles:
11/09/09: Collection of Pit Bull Scalp Attack Victims - DogsBite.org
02/26/09: What's There "Not to Get" About Regulating Pit Bulls?
10/11/08: Victims of Serious Dog Attacks Suffer Long After Attack