Woman sues city, zoo over dog bite

A Hixson woman who said she was severely bitten last year by the Chattanooga Zoo director's Great Dane is suing the director and the city.

Together, Kayla Allen and her husband, Barry, are seeking $450,000 for injury, medical costs, pain and suffering and other claims, including punitive damages.

The suit was filed in Hamilton County Circuit Court by James R. Kennamer of the McMahan Law Firm.

The lawsuit claims that Allen was contracted to clean the zoo's administration building. On Dec. 10, 2009, the suit claims, she entered the kitchen of the building and the Great Dane bit her on the thigh.

The wound became infected, and Allen had to have surgery and ongoing medical treatment, the suit states.

It claims that zoo director Darde Long should have known that the dog was dangerous and that she failed to control it.

In June, WRCB TV reported that Chattanooga City Judge Sherry Paty ordered Long not to bring the dog to work after three employees testified the dog had bitten them.

Long could not be reached Saturday for comment.

Richard Beeland, spokesman for Mayor Ron Littlefield, said Saturday the city's policy is not to comment on pending litigation.

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