EDWARDSVILLE - A Granite City man is suing his neighbors after their dog allegedly attacked him, causing him to suffer injuries.
Thomas Van Berkel filed the complaint in the Madison County Circuit Court against Willie Ford and Ashley Ford.
According to the complaint, Van Berkel claims his dog was on a lead in his yard in Granite City on March 19. He claims a dog owned by the Fords allegedly entered his yard and "viciously and aggressively came at plaintiff's dog without provocation." The defendants' dog then allegedly attacked and bit Van Berkel.
Van Berkel claims he suffered a puncture wound to his hand and left index finger during the dog attack. The suit states that some of his injuries "may be permanent."
He alleges the defendants negligently and carelessly failed to keep their dog on a leash, failed to train the dog and failed to warn neighbors about the dangers of their pet.
Van Berkel seeks $50,000 each from each defendant, plus legal costs under the Illinois Animal Control Act. He is represented by Michael Glisson of Williamson Webster Falb & Glisson in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2022LA000991.