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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Nun Sues Dog Business for Vicious Attack

RICHMOND, Texas (CN) - Three dogs who escaped through a grooming business's rickety fence mauled a Buddhist nun nearly to death as she tended her backyard garden, the nun claims in court.

Linda Nguyen sued Carlos F. Davis dba Country Lane Grooming and Rescue dba Animal Rescue Kingdom, in Fort Bend County Court.

Nguyen says the dogs ripped her flesh nearly to the bone until she passed out. She was rescued by another nun, then needed multiple surgeries and five months of therapy just to be able to stand up and walk.

"Ms. Nguyen, a Buddhist nun who resides adjacent to defendants' property, was in her backyard tending the garden when she noticed that three of defendants' dogs had escaped through a dilapidated fence enclosing defendants' property," the complaint states.

"Two of the dogs, an American bulldog and a pit bull mix, suddenly lunged at Ms. Nguyen. Before she knew it, she was on the ground, yelling 'Help! Help!

"The dogs continued to bite at her skull, tearing at her arms, face, chest shoulders, buttocks and stomach area. All she could hear was the constant barking as they mauled her.

"Ms. Nguyen was terrified that she would die, not knowing whether the mauling would continue and praying for a quick death. At some point, Ms. Nguyen lost consciousness and was dragged face down across the garden with most of her clothes torn off.

"Eventually, another nun came out and rescued Ms. Nguyen."

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office investigated the Feb. 10, 2011 attack and arrested Davis on a charge of "3rd Degree Felony Attack by Dog Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury," the complaint states.

"The charge is currently pending," it adds.

Nguyen says the attack devastated her.

"Plaintiff has struggled through personal fears of the incident reoccurring again. She sustained injuries to her head, arms, face, chest, shoulders, buttocks and stomach area. The flesh from her elbow and forehead was torn almost to the bone. She had to undergo multiple surgeries and over five months of physical therapy just to be able to stand, walk and function," the complaint states.

The attack also sent her into a mental "tailspin": "She would scream out and whimper with extreme fear in her sleep and break out in cold sweats. She underwent over four months of psychological counseling," according to the complaint.

Nguyen seeks punitive damages for negligence, gross negligence, pain and suffering and medical care.

She also sued Monica E. Davis and Travis D. Huddleston, of the same address as the other defendants.

Nguyen is represented by Henry Trinh with the Dinh Law Firm of Houston.

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