Case Background

In May 2020, Los Angeles Animal Services took in a three-year-old male pit bull after it attacked a jogger. The dog, named O’Gee, bit both of the jogger’s arms without provocation, causing severe injuries. Shelter records documented the attack, the injuries, and the absence of justification. After a rabies quarantine, O’Gee was placed in the main kennels. Weeks later, supervisors approved his adoption to the general public.

Cause

The shelter publicized O’Gee as adoptable without disclosing his bite history. His photograph and description appeared online with no warning of his prior attack. Brent Alvarado, son of plaintiffs Argelia and Jose Alvarado, saw the posting and adopted O’Gee in June 2020. Shelter staff never informed him about the earlier mauling or its severity. In September 2020, O’Gee attacked Argelia at the family home. The mauling lasted about 20 minutes, causing catastrophic harm before animal control captured and euthanized the dog.

Injury

The attack left Arge