Both an airline and an airport in the US are being sued for damages after a five-year-old girl was allegedly mauled by an emotional support dog.
The pit bull’s owner Michelle Brannan was also named as a defendant in the $1.1 million lawsuit. The girl’s mother Mirna Gonzalez claims Bannan should have known her dog had ‘vicious propensities’.
The suit alleges Alaska Air was negligent in allowing a dangerous dog into the gate waiting area at Portland International Airport without being muzzled or in a carrier. The girl allegedly asked permission to pet the dog and when she did so it attacked.
The incident, which took place on December 18, 2017. left Gabriela Gonzalez with facial injuries resulting in permanent scars.
"As a result of the incident, Gabriella Gonzalez suffered injury to the muscles, tendons, bones, nerves and soft tissue of her face, as well as emotional trauma," the lawsuit states.
The Port of Portland Authority had earlier cited the dog’s owner for not having the dog in a carrier.
The lawsuit is seeking $1 million for pain and suffering and $100,000 for medical costs.
