Pit bulls' owner blamed in St. Clair County personal injury suit

An East St. Louis woman who claims she was viciously attacked by pit bulls is suing the dogs' owner in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Paula Johnson claims an attack took place Jan. 29, 2002, in her mother's back yard at 715 North 24th St. in East St. Louis.

Defendant Annie Johnson lives nearby at 721 North 24th St., according to the complaint filed March 11.

"On January 29, 2002, the Defendant allowed her Pit Bull dogs to run unconfined, unrestrained and unsupervised," the complaint states.

Plaintiff Johnson claims she was in great fear for her safety.

"One of the pit bulls bit the Plaintiff's hand, then bit into her arm and would not let go, and began throwing the Plaintiff about," the complaint states.

"The attack continued until the Defendant, who had been watching from an upstairs window in her house, came out and called off her dogs."

Johnson claims she sustained bites and lacerations, severe soft tissue damage and scars,

Represented by Jeffery W. Green of Carbondale, Johnson is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages under the Animal Contol Act.