Living Arrangement Turned Risky

On March 23, 2023, Nialine Saintilma lived in an efficiency unit at 1241 NW 102nd Street in Miami. Emmanuel and Marie Cine owned the property and rented different parts of it. Alphonse Williams, another tenant, lived there with a dog, despite a strict no-pet policy in place. The Cines knew about the dog but didn’t enforce the rule. The shared front yard had no signs warning about a dog or danger.

Williams routinely allowed his dog to roam freely. The landlords kept control of the property and could enforce the lease terms. Despite this authority, they never intervened or warned other tenants about the animal’s behavior.

An Afternoon Walk Turns Violent

That day, Saintilma stepped out to grab some items from a friend. As she entered the yard, Williams’ dog attacked her. The dog bit her foot first, then lunged at her face. Neither Williams nor the landlords intervened. There were no barriers, restraints, or warnings to prevent the attack.

Despite knowing the dog was aggressive, none of the defendants took any action to remove or contain it. The landlords allowed the dog to stay, in clear violation of the lease and in disregard of known risks.

A Vicious Attack and Lasting Harm

The dog’s bites caused permanent injuries. Saintilma suffered wounds to her foot and face. The attack left lasting scars and disfigurement. She endured pain, emotional trauma, and limited physical ability. Her daily routine and quality of lif