TEXAS CITY, Texas, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A Texas woman is suing the owner of a 10-year-old beagle for $1 million in damages after her four pitbulls attacked and killed it.

Emerald White is claiming she suffered "multiple serious bite and scratch-type injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment," after being "unexpectedly and viciously attacked" when she tried to restrain her four pitbulls that escaped into the neighbor's yard and attacked their beagle. She also said she feels "conscious pain and suffering and now suffers also from fear anxiety and trepidation" after the attack.


The owner of Bailey the beagle said the dog was nothing but loyal to him and his family. He never expected to be facing a $1 million lawsuit after the loss of their family pet.

"I couldn't believe it," said Bailey's owner Steve Baker. "Everyone was telling me to sue her, but I decided not to because it won't bring Bailey back."

White is also alleging the attack was the Baker's fault, as Bailey was not properly restrained and confined. Baker said he tried multiple times to talk to White about strengthening the fence between their two properties, but White never responded.

"The police took the action I wanted and declared those dogs dangerous and awareness was raised; so I decided to let it go," said Baker. "Now they're suing me for $1 million -- I just can't believe it."

The dogs have been declared dangerous meaning they must be registered with Texas City, White must put up a 6 foot tall enclosure with a mechanical locking device, and signs must be posted warning of dangerous dogs. White will also need to buy $100,000 worth of liability insurance for the dogs.

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White has 15 days to appeal the decision on the basis if the dog was defending a person, the animal was injured or responding to pain, protecting her puppies, itself or it's kennel mates or of the dog was being abused or baited in some way.

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