Woman Says Chihuahua Bite Took Both Legs

AUSTIN (CN) - A woman says she lost both her legs after her daughter's Chihuahua bit her during a trip to the veterinarian to get its nails clipped. She sued the vet and clinic, saying they failed to control the dog, Prissy, and told her to hold it "so the head and teeth were pointed toward plaintiff."

Lucy Bauman says she complied with the instructions, and Prissy bit her in the hand. After the bite, she says, clinic workers "took control of the animal" and told her "to wash her injured hand in a nearby sink. Plaintiff subsequently developed severe bacterial infection of the blood stream resulting in lengthy hospitalization and amputations of both her legs."

She sued the vet, Dr. Jacque Harbison, and Lago Vista Animal Clinic in Travis County Court. Bauman claims the defendants were negligent in telling her to "deliver the dog to defendant so the head and teeth were pointed toward plaintiff," and in "not taking control of the Chihuahua."

Bauman and her husband seek damages for pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and medical bills. They are represented by Jay Winckler of Austin.

Chihuahuas were bred as food by the Chichimec Indians of pre-Columbian Mexico.

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