skip to content
blog home Dog Bites Elderly Woman Injured in Ocala Dog Attack

Elderly Woman Injured in Ocala Dog Attack

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on September 29, 2015

It seems like dog attacks are becoming more and more frequent these days. Pet owners are not taking responsibility for their pets and letting them freely wander the streets. When that happens, the dogs injure and sometimes kill people or young children.

In Ocala, Florida a 76-year-old woman was attacked and suffered significant injuries when a pack of dogs attacked her on September 10. She was innocently heading to her mailbox and was attacked by a pit bull, a pit bull mix, a retriever mix, and a German shepherd. (The animals are named Keeper, Enzo, Cass and Lady.)

Dawn Thompson suffered multiple bites and lacerations in the attack. She was transported to the Ocala Regional Medical Center and has been recovering from injuries. According to media reports, Thompson was listed in fair condition. She faces weeks or even months of rehabilitation. That doesn’t seem fair for somebody who was just going to her mailbox to get her mail.

A neighbor heard barking dogs and a commotion and went to investigate. She saw the attack and was able to rescue Thompson before she suffered more serious injuries. The neighbor lured the dogs away from Thompson, who then fled the scene.

It’s not the first time that County Animal Services have had contact with the animals’ owner, Jamie Bussiere. The agency had been in contact with Bussiere five times before the attack. The complaints ranged from a dog-at-large to being issued a dangerous dog warning. In one of the instances, Bussiere claimed a dog was not hers, but a stray that kept digging under her fence and getting into her yard. The animal was seized and later euthanized. The September 10th attack appears to be the first time her animals had attacked an individual.

The agency confiscated the four animals that attacked Thompson and an investigation into the attack was launched. The dogs were being held at the Animal Control facility for several days until a determination could be made about whether to return the animals.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

James O. CunninghamSince 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

Related Articles:

Do I Have A Case?

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential

Martindale Hubbell | Highest Ethical standing
  • Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers
  • The Florida Bar Board Certified
  • NBLSC Board Certified Lawyers
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Lead Counsel Rated
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb
  • The Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Personal Injury
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Personal Injury
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent High Ethical Standing
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers
  • Florida Legal Elite

Client Testimonials

5 StarsMr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.
I would and have recommended Mr. Cunningham as an attorney. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided for me and my family. I will definately use Mr. Cunningham in the future if I ever need an attorney again. John, a Personal Injury client

Read Reviews

Request a free 30-minute case evaluation with attorney James O. Cunningham. Request Free Evaluation

Close Form

Receive a free case evaluation.

All submissions are personally reviewed by attorney James O. Cunningham within hours.

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential