Nancy Elizabeth Bowman v. Jerry Davidson and Diana Davidson

ACCEPTED

06-14-00094-CV

SIXTH COURT OF APPEALS

TEXARKANA, TEXAS

3/19/2015 10:52:36 AM

DEBBIE AUTREY

CLERK

CASE NO. 06-14-00094-CV

_____________________________________________________________

FILED IN

6th COURT OF APPEALS

IN THE SIXTH COURT OF APPEALS TEXARKANA, TEXAS

TEXARKANA, TEXAS 3/19/2015 11:05:00 AM

DEBBIE AUTREY

_____________________________________________________________

Clerk

Nancy Elizabeth Bowman,

Appellant,

vs.

Jerry Davidson and

Diana Davidson,

Appellees.

____________________________________________________________

On Appeal from the 71st Judicial District

Harrison County, Texas

Cause No. 13-0618

The Honorable Brad Morin, Presiding

_____________________________________________________________

BRIEF OF APPELLANT

_____________________________________________________________

JACK M. SANDERS, JR.

State Bar No. 17592000

109 East Houston Street

P.O. Box 1387

Marshall, Texas 75671-1387

(903) 935-7172

(903) 938-8616 (Fax)

sanders.jack@sbcblobal.net

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT

ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED

Preamble

COMES NOW NANCY ELIZABETH BOWMAN, Appellant herein, who

hereby respectfully makes and files this, her Appellant’s Brief.

In the interest of clarity, Nancy Elizabeth Bowman will be referred to as

“Bowman,” while JERRY DAVIDSON, Appellee herein, will be referred to as

“Jerry”, and DIANA DAVIDSON, the other Appellee herein, will be referred to as

“Diana.” Collectively, the Appellees will be referred to as “the Davidsons.”

In this Brief, the Reporter’s Record will be cited by volume and page:line as

“___ RR ___:___”, the Reporter’s Supplemental Indexes will be cited as R. Supp.

R. Index, the Clerk’s Record will be cited by page as “CR _____,” the Clerk’s

Supplemental Records will be cited as “ C. Supp. R. ” and the plaintiff’s

exhibits will be cited by record volume and exhibit number as “4 RR P.Ex. ____.”

The Appendix will be referred to as “Appx. .”

ii

Identity of Parties and Counsel

Pursuant to Tex. R. App. P. 38.1(a), Bowman hereby submits a list of parties

and counsel interested in this case:

Appellant and her Appellate/Trial Counsel:

Nancy Elizabeth Bowman

c/o Jack M. Sanders, Jr.

State Bar No. 17592000

109 East Houston Street

P.O. Box 1387

Marshall, Texas 75671-1387

(903) 935-7172

(903) 938-8616 (Fax)

sanders.jack@sbcblobal.net

Appellees and their Trial Counsel:

Jerry and Diana Davidson

c/o Alan E. Brown

State Bar No. 03090500

Boyd & Brown, P.C.

1215 Pruitt Place

Tyler, Texas 75703

(903) 526-9000

(903) 526-9001 (Fax)

aebrown@suddenlinkmail.com

iii

Table of Contents

Preamble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Identity of Parties and Counsel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Index of Authorities.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Statement of the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Statement Regarding Oral Argument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Issues Presented.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Summary of the Argument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Standards of Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

A. Legal Sufficiency of the Evidence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

B. Factual Sufficiency of the Evidence.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

A. Bubba Bit a Long Time Friend of the Davidsons Prior to

Biting Bowman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

B. Bubba Had a History of Aggressive, Protective and Possessive

Behavior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

C. Due to Bubba’s Behavior, the Davidsons Warned New Guests

At Their Home Not to Interact With Bubba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

D. The Lawsuit and the Appeal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

iv

Argument and Authorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

First Issue.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bowman was entitled to affirmative jury findings as a matter of law

regarding the dangerous propensities of the Davidsons’ dog and the

Davidsons’ knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, or in the

alternative, the jury’s findings was against the great weight and

preponderance of the evidence.

Arguments Relating to the First Issue

A. Strict Liability Claims Involving a Domestic Dog.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1. The Second Element of Dangerous Propensities. . . . . . . . . . . 14

2. The Third Element Requiring the Owner’s Knowledge. . . . . 16

B. The Record Contains Only Affirmative Evidence of Bubba’s

Dangerous Propensities and the Davidsons’ Knowledge

of the Dangerous Propensities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1. There is No or Little Evidence to Support Bubba Did

Not Have Dangerous Propensities and Affirmative

Evidence to Support He Did.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2. No or Little Evidence to Support the Davidsons Did Not

Know or Did Not Have Reason to Know Bubba Had

Dangerous Propensities and Affirmative Evidence to

Support They Did Have Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

C. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

v

Second Issue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Bowman was entitled to an affirmative answer as a matter of law that the

dog’s dangerous propensities were the producing cause of Bowman’s

injuries, or in the alternative, a negative finding would have been against

the great weight and preponderance of the evidence.

Arguments Relating to the Second Issue

A. Strict Liability Requires Bowman to Prove the Dangerous

Propensities Were the Producing Cause of Bowman’s Injuries.. . . . 31

B. The Record Contains Only Affirmative Evidence in Support

of Bubba’s Dangerous Propensities As the Producing

Cause of the Bite.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

C. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Certificate of Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Certificate of Service.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

vi

Index of Authorities

Cases

Texas Supreme Court

Cain v. Bain,

709 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1986) (per curiam). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Collora v. Navarro,

574 S.W.2d 65 (Tex. 1978).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Croucher v. Croucher,

660 S.W.2d 55 (Tex. 1983).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ford Motor Co. v. Ledesma,

242 S.W.3d 32 (Tex. 2007).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Holley v. Watts,

629 S.W.2d 694 (Tex. 1982).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Marshall v. Ranne,

511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 14, 16, 31

Traylor v. Goulding,

497 S.W.2d 944 (Tex. 1973).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Washington v. Reliable Life Ins. Co.,

581 S.W.2d 153 (Tex. 1979) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Texas Courts of Appeal

Allen ex rel. B.A. v. Albin,

97 S.W.3d 655 (Tex. App. — Waco 2002, no pet.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Beard v. Beard,

49 S.W.3d 40 (Tex. App. — Waco 2001, pet. denied).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

vii

Belger v. Sweeney,

836 S.W.2d 752 (Tex. App. — Houston [1st Dist.] 1992, writ denied).. . . 16

Carrasco v. Stewart,

224 S.W.3d 363 (Tex. App. — El Paso 2006, no pet.).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dunnings v. Castro,

881 S.W.2d 559 (Tex. App. — Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied).. . . 15

Farley v. M.M. Cattle Co.,

549 S.W.2d 453 (Tex. Civ. App. — Waco 1977, writ ref’d n.r.e.). . . . . . . 15

Machala v. Weems,

56 S.W.3d 748 (Tex. App. — Texarkana 2001, no pet.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Owens v. Coury,

614 S.W.2d 926 (Tex. App. — Amarillo 1981, no writ). . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 15

Plummer v. Estate of Plummer,

51 S.W.3d 840 (Tex. App. — Texarkana 2001, pet. denied). . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Raw Hide Oil & Gas Co., Inc. v. Maxus Exploration Co.,

766 S.W.2d 264 (Tex. App. — Amarillo 1988, writ denied).. . . . . . . . . . 5, 6

Thompson v. Curtis,

127 S.W.3d 446 (Tex. App. — Dallas 2004, no pet.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31

Villareal v. Elizondo,

831 S.W.2d 474 (Tex. App. — Corpus Christi 1992, no writ). . . . . . . . . . 15

Wells v. Burns,

480 S.W.2d 31 (Tex. Civ. App. —El Paso 1972, no writ). . . . . . . . . . . 13, 15

viii

Out of State Cases

Supreme Court

Poznanski ex rel Poznanski v. Horvath,

788 N.E.2d 1255 (Ind. 2003). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15

Deardoff v. Burger,

606 A.2d 489 (Pa. 1992). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Robinson v. Marino,

3 Wash. 434, 28 P. 752 (1892). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure

Tex. R. App. Pro. 9.4(i)(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Tex. R. App. Pro. 9.5(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Tex. R. App. Pro. 38.1(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Other Authorities

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 509. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15, 16, 19, 20

ix

Statement of the Case

Nature of the

Underlying Case: Suit for personal injuries due to the Davidsons’ dog attacking

Bowman. CR 11-16.

Trial Court: The 71st Judicial District Court, Harrison County, Texas, the

Honorable Brad Morin, Presiding.

Disposition: The Court entered Judgment for the Davidsons based on the

Jury’s findings. Appx. 1; 3A C. Supp. R. 4-5.

Statement Regarding Oral Argument

Bowman believes oral argument is called for in this case. There are not many

cases in Texas where strict liability has been found with regard to domestic animals.

But this case is unique and fits squarely within the common law requirements for

strict liability set out by the Texas Supreme Court years ago. Thus, this is an

important case with regard to future dog bite cases and to the jurisprudence of this

State.

Further, it is impossible to include all of the evidence presented during the

three day trial which supports strict liability into this Brief. Thus, Bowman requests

the opportunity to argue to the Court the main points of evidence which leave no

question that the jury made incorrect findings as to strict liability in this case.

1

Issues Presented

First Issue

Bowman was entitled to affirmative jury findings as a matter of law

regarding the dangerous propensities of the Davidsons’ dog and the

Davidsons’ knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, or in the

alternative, the jury’s findings was against the great weight and

preponderance of the evidence.

Second Issue

Bowman was entitled to an affirmative answer as a matter of law that the

dog’s dangerous propensities were the producing cause of Bowman’s

injuries, or in the alternative, a negative finding would have been against

the great weight and preponderance of the evidence.

2

Summary of the Argument

Strict liability with regard to domestic animals is not a new concept in Texas.

The law has long been if a dog has dangerous propensities, the owners knew or had

reason to know about the dangerous propensities and the dog bites someone, as a

result of the dangerous propensities, then the owners are liable, period. That is the

law in Texas. The jury is charged with applying the facts of the specific case to the

law. If the preponderance of the evidence support the elements, then the jury must

enter the finding.

Here, the jury failed to follow the law, and thus, failed to enter the correct

findings. There was overwhelming evidence presented at trial in support of the

Davidsons’ dog having dangerous propensities in the form of the protectiveness and

aggression toward strangers. There was also overwhelming evidence at trial that the

Davidsons knew from early on that Bubba exhibited such behaviors. The Davidsons

even warned for safety of new guests to prevent a bite like what happened to

Bowman. The law does not require an actual prior bite to show dangerous

propensities. Yet, there is one in this case. Finally, there was overwhelming

evidence at trial that Bubba’s protectiveness and aggression toward strangers caused

Bubba to bite Bowman. Despite all of the overwhelming evidence, the jury chose not

to enter the correct finding. It may have been because they jury sympathized with the

3

Davidsons or disliked Bowman. The reason for the jury’s failure to follow the law

is irrelevant. Bowman is now entitled to seek this evidentiary review to correct the

wrong based on the record. Accordingly, Bowman asks this Court to review the

record in its entirety and reverse the jury’s finding to Question No. 1 as to either

Diana or Jerry and enter an affirmative finding as to Question No. 2.1 Then, remand

the cause back to the trial court for a determination as to damages alone.

1

The Court of Appeals can reverse the jury finding as to Diana or Jerry alone and send the

cause back to the trial court because either answer will lead to liability of a defendant.

4

Standards of Review

When a party having the burden of proof appeals from an adverse fact-finding

in the trial court, the point of error should be the matter was established as a matter

of law or that the jury’s finding was against the great weight and preponderance of

the evidence. Croucher v. Croucher, 660 S.W.2d 55, 58 (Tex. 1983). The specific

standards as they relate to legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence are set forth

below.

A. Legal Sufficiency of the Evidence

Legal sufficiency points of error assert a complete lack of evidence on an issue.

Raw Hide Oil & Gas Co., Inc. v. Maxus Exploration Co., 766 S.W.2d 264, 275 (Tex.

App. — Amarillo 1988, writ denied). Legal sufficiency points are designated as “no

evidence points” or “matter of law points,” depending upon whether the complaining

party had the burden of proof. Id. The appropriate legal sufficiency challenge here,

as Bowman had the burden of proof for her strict liability claim, is a matter of law

point. Carrasco v. Stewart, 224 S.W.3d 363, 367 (Tex. App. — El Paso 2006, no

pet.).

In reviewing a matter of law point, the Court of Appeals must examine the

entire record for evidence that supports the jury’s finding, ignoring any evidence to

the contrary. Holley v. Watts, 629 S.W.2d 694, 696 (Tex. 1982). If no evidence to

5

support the finding is found, the Court of Appeals must then examine the entire

record again to determine if a contrary position is established as a matter of law. Id.;

Plummer v. Estate of Plummer, 51 S.W.3d 840, 841 (Tex. App. — Texarkana 2001,

pet. denied).

B. Factual Sufficiency of the Evidence

Factual sufficiency points of error concede conflicting evidence on an issue,

yet maintain that the evidence against the jury’s finding is so great as to make the

finding erroneous. Raw Hide Oil & Gas Co., Inc., 766 S.W.2d at 275. Factual

sufficiency points of error are designated as “insufficient evidence points” or “great

weight and preponderance points,” depending upon whether the complaining party

had the burden of proof. Id. The appropriate factual sufficiency challenge here as

Bowman had the burden of proof for her strict liability claim is a great weight and

preponderance point. Beard v. Beard, 49 S.W.3d 40, 55 (Tex. App. — Waco 2001,

pet. denied); Machala v. Weems, 56 S.W.3d 748, 754 (Tex. App. — Texarkana 2001,

no pet.). In reviewing a great weight and preponderance point, the Court of Appeals

must examine the entire record to determine if there is some evidence to support the

jury’s finding, and then determine whether, in light of the entire record, the finding

is manifestly unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986) (per curiam);

Traylor v. Goulding, 497 S.W.2d 944, 945 (Tex. 1973).

6

Statement of Facts

This suit arises from the injuries Bowman suffered on the evening of June 24,

2012 as a result of Davidsons’ dog biting her in the face. The Davidsons own two

Australian Blue Heelers. 4 RR 87:19-24. Diana acquired the dogs, brother and sister,

when they were six weeks old. 4 RR 88:6-9. The dog that bit Bowman was her 11

year old male Blue Heeler named Bubba.

A. Bubba Bit a Long Time Friend of the Davidsons Prior to Biting Bowman

About a year before Bubba bit Bowman, he bit Billy Strong (“Strong”), a long

time family friend. Appx. 3; 1 R. Supp. R Index, Video Deposition of Billy Strong;2

8 RR P. Ex. 20. The incident occurred when a repairman left his bag of tools inside

the Davidsons’ home. Appx. 3; 1 R. Supp. R Index, Video Deposition of Billy

Strong. Diana asked Strong to take the bag of tools outside to the repairman before

he had a chance to leave. Id. After Strong grabbed the tool bag, he took off at a trot

towards the front door, and Bubba bit him on the back of the leg. Id. Bubba had a

hold of Strong’s leg and Diana had to holler at Bubba to turn Strong loose. 4 RR

99:24-100:3. Diana witnessed the entire event. 4 RR 99:16-19. She knew that

Bubba laid his teeth on Strong and that Bubba had left a red mark and bruise on the

2

For the Court of Appeals’ convenience, in addition to citing to the video deposition

included in the Reporter’s Record in the Supplemental Exhibit Index, Bowman has also attached

the line and page excerpt from Billy Strong’s deposition that Bowman is relying on and that was

included in the video shown the jury in the Appellant’s Appendix, Tab 3.

7

back of Strong’s leg. 4 RR 100:4-10; Appx. 3; 1 R. Supp. R. Index, Video

Deposition of Billy Strong. Although the Davidsons do not always describe the prior

incident with Strong as a “bite,” Strong certainly does. Appx. 3; 1 R. Supp. RR

Video Deposition of Billy Strong. He also thought the dog should have been put up

after the incident whenever anyone came over to the Davidsons so it would not

happen again. Appx. 3, 1 R. Supp. R. Index, Video Deposition of Billy Strong.

B. Bubba Had a History of Aggressive, Protective and Possessive Behavior

Bubba generally does not have a problem with people he knows. 4 RR 100:17-

20. However, he shows aggression toward strangers. 4 RR 100:21-22. Diana has

known this all of Bubba’s life. 4 RR 100:23-24. Both of the Davidsons admit Bubba

is aggressive, protective and possessive. 4 RR 94:17-19; 4 RR 138:20-22, 146:19-23.

Bubba is just not like other dogs. 4 RR 147:23-148:1. Diana frequently uses both

aggressive and protective when describing Bubba. 4 RR 93:22-94:16. Diana knows

Bubba is aggressive because he barks and jumps at the fence when people come to

their house. 4 RR 94:20-22. She has signs up saying beware of the dogs because she

wants people to beware of them and does not want to take the chance that Bubba will

hurt someone by biting them. 4 RR 94:23-95:5, 95:9-11. Bubba acts protectively

when anyone, including Jerry, gets between him and Diana. 4 RR 138:12-16, 138:24-

25. Bubba is showing his protectiveness and possessiveness when he barks and

pushes people away from Diana. 4 RR 139:5-7. Further, when Bubba gets between

8

Jerry and Diana, he is exhibiting a low level of aggression towards Jerry. 4 RR

138:12-15, 138:21-25; 5 RR 28:7-11. To have Bubba exhibiting such behavior

towards Jerry, someone Bubba has also bonded with, is a red flag for dangerous

behavior. 5 RR 28:12-18. The Davidsons put Bubba up when children come over

because the children might get bit, 4 RR 102:9:17, and they put Bubba up also when

there are a large number of people at their home that the dog does not know. 4 RR

103:18-24, 4 RR 140:18-24. There was a propensity for Bubba to be dangerous. 4

RR 147:6-22. The Davidsons’ friends would even warn new guests about interacting

with Bubba. 5 RR 24:24-25:7. Jerry testified that you never know what Bubba is

going to do at any time or when he is going to blow up. 4 RR 149:13-14, 150:3-5.

Bowman also hired an expert to testify at trial in this case, Dr. Lore Haug (“Dr.

Haug”), who is Board Certified Veterinarian Behavior. 5 RR 8:21. She also received

additional training specifically in animal behavior. 5 RR 8:24-25. She works with

animals with various levels and styles of behavior disorders, 5 RR 9:7-8, including

dogs with aggressive tendencies. 5 RR 9:13-15. All of her opinions at trial were

offered based on her training, education and experience. 5 RR 9:24-10:1. Dr. Haug

testified that “protective” and ‘territorial” are words that owners use to describe types

of aggressive behavior. 5 RR 25:13-15. In the vast majority of cases, dogs only get

worse when the owners do not do anything to stop aggressive tendencies. 5 RR

25:16-22. A dog that is possessive and protective can be a danger, 5 RR 25:23-25,

9

especially if the owners do nothing to train the dog. 5 RR 27:18-21. The Davidsons

did nothing to properly train Bubba. 4 RR 89:14-15; 4 RR 130:17-18; 5 RR 27:18-

21. Further, this protective and aggressive behavior does not fall within the range of

a typical or normal companion dog. 5 RR 23:14-16. Moreover, Bubba biting Strong

was not appropriate even for cattle herding dogs. 5 RR 29:13-15. Well socialized

and trained dogs know the difference between a human being and cattle. 5 RR 38:10-

17. With Bubba’s past possessive and protective behaviors and the concern that

prompted the Davidsons warnings, it was only a matter of time before someone got

hurt. 5 RR 37:13-16. Dr. Haug is positive that the Davidsons recognized the risk

Bubba posed to new guests. 5 RR 39:13-21.

C. Due to Bubba’s Behavior, the Davidsons Warned New Guests At Their Home

Not to Interact With Bubba

Due to Bubba’s aggressive nature, the Davidsons would warn guests who were

strangers to the dog not to touch or look at the dog. 4 RR 93:19-25, 95:21-23, 4 RR

131:7-10. The warnings were given to protect people from a bite. 4 RR 95:24-96:4,

114:2-4, 4 RR 131:20-23. Jerry admitted they give the warnings about Bubba

because they knew there was a propensity there for Bubba to bite. 4 RR 140:10-13.

The Davidsons have been giving their warning about Bubba for a long period of time

prior to Bubba biting Bowman. 4 RR 101:10-15. Diana just did not know if and

when Bubba might act on his aggressive behavior. 4 RR 101:16-23. If in Bubba’s

10

mind Diana was in danger, Bubba would become aggressive. 4 RR139:20-140:5.

Diana had reason to know that Bubba may be dangerous because she had reason to

know Bubba may bite someone. 4 RR 101:24-102:2. The Davidsons warned people

that came to their home about Bubba because they were concerned that something

bad might happen. 5 RR 14:22-24. Every client Dr. Haug has ever had that have

given warnings to people about their dogs have done so because the owners have

some knowledge about the dog’s previous behavior that makes them concerned that

something bad is going to happen. 5 RR 17:3-7, 24:1-4. There is no other reason to

give warnings unless something similar has happened in the past. 5 RR 17:7-8,

23:18-24:4, 24:20-22. People that have normal dogs, without aggressive tendencies,

do not give warnings. 5 RR 17:9-12.

On the night of the occurrence, the Davidsons and their guests all sat down to

eat dinner at a table. Diana led Bowman to sit down at the table right next to her. 4

RR 29:14-21. There is no dispute as to where Diana and Bowman were sitting before

the attack. 4 RR 106:17-18. Bubba sat on the floor in between Diana and Bowman

during the dinner. 4 RR 30:11-13. Bubba always sat at the table next to Diana. 4 RR

106:19-22. The seating arrangement was cramped due to the number of guests and

everyone was sitting close together. 4 RR 30:25-31:14; 5 RR 34:9-18. It was noisy

in the room and Bowman leaned over towards Diana to tell her something. 4 RR

11

32:15-18; 4 RR 108:6-7, 110:13-16. At that point, Bubba jumped up and bit Bowman

in the face. 4 RR 33:6-9; 4 RR 108:4-7.

D. The Lawsuit and the Appeal

On August 5, 2013, Bowman filed suit against the Davidsons for strict liability

and negligence in order to recover for her significant injuries caused by Bubba’s bite.

CR 11-16. On September 30, 2013, the Davidsons filed an Original Answer. CR 59-

63. On August 19, 2014 the parties went to trial, 4 RR 6, and three days later the trial

concluded with the submission of the charge to the jury. 6 RR 42; CR 1198-1209.

On August 21, 2014, the jury returned their verdict answering “no” to the first

question regarding strict liability for both Jerry and Diana. Appx. 2; CR 1198-1209.

On August 28, 2014, a Judgment was entered by the Court. Appx. 1; 3A C. Supp. R.

4-5. On September 24, 2014, Bowman filed a Motion for New Trial or In the

Alternative, Motion for Judgment Non Obstante Verdicto. 2A C. Supp. R. 4-7. The

Trial Court held a hearing and denied Bowman’s Motion. CR 1430. On November

24, 2014, Bowman filed her Notice of Appeal. CR 1433-1434. Now, Bowman seeks

review with this Court of the jury’s findings regarding dangerous propensities and

producing cause.

12

Arguments and Authorities

First Issue

(Restated)

Bowman was entitled to affirmative jury findings as a matter of law

regarding the dangerous propensities of the Davidsons’ dog and the

Davidsons’ knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, or in the

alternative, the jury’s findings were against the great weight and

preponderance of the evidence.

A. Strict Liability Claims Involving a Domestic Dog

In Texas, as in many states, it has long been established that actions for

damages caused by vicious domestic animals are governed by principles of strict

liability. Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255, 258 (Tex. 1974). The elements of a

strict liability claim involving a dog are: (1) the defendant owned or possessed the

dog; (2) the dog had dangerous propensities abnormal to its class; (3) the owner knew

or had reason to know the dog had dangerous propensities; and (4) the dog’s

dangerous propensities were the producing cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Id.;

Thompson v. Curtis, 127 S.W.3d 446, 451 (Tex. App. — Dallas 2004, no pet.); Allen

ex rel. B.A. v. Albin, 97 S.W.3d 655, 660 (Tex. App. — Waco 2002, no pet.); Owens

v. Coury, 614 S.W.2d 926, 928 (Tex. App. — Amarillo 1981, no writ); Wells v.

Burns, 480 S.W.2d 31, 33 (Tex. Civ. App. —El Paso 1972, no writ). The first

element of a strict liability claim was not at issue in this case in that the Davidsons

13

readily admit they own Bubba, the dog that bit Bowman. 4 RR 87:19-22; 4 RR

130:11-14.

1. The Second Element of Dangerous Propensities

With regard to the second element, the plaintiff must prove dangerous

propensities abnormal to other dogs. Despite the Texas Supreme Court’s long ago

recognition of strict liability as set forth in the Restatement, there are not many Texas

cases where the elements of strict liability are discussed. Thus, it is helpful to look

to other states Supreme Courts that adopted the Restatement elements for their

explanation as to the elements as well as the Texas cases that have discussed the

elements. Generally, all dogs, regardless of breed and size, are presumed to be

harmless domestic animals. Poznanski ex rel Poznanski v. Horvath, 788 N.E.2d

1255, 1258 (Ind. 2003); Appx. 5.3 The great majority of dogs are regarded as friends

and companions of man. Restatement (Second) of Torts § 509 cmt. f. (adopted by the

Texas Supreme Court in Marshall, 511 S.W.2d at 258); Appx. 8. They are harmless

and if a dog is in the possession of characteristics dangerous to mankind, it should be

regarded as abnormal. Id.

Although the majority of dogs are harmless, an owner has a right to keep a

vicious dog for the necessary protection of life and property, provided that the owner

3

The out of state cases are included in the Appellant’s Appendix for the Court of Appeal’s

convenience.

14

takes proper precautions to preclude that viciousness from exhibiting itself. Deardoff

v. Burger, 606 A.2d 489, 492 (Pa. 1992); Appx. 6.

Texas courts have previously held “dangerous propensities” means the dog

must have had vicious, dangerous or mischievous propensities. Villareal v. Elizondo,

831 S.W.2d 474, 477 (Tex. App. — Corpus Christi 1992, no writ); Owens, 614

S.W.2d at 928; Wells, 480 S.W.2d at 33. This element addresses dogs that are vicious

as well as animals that are not vicious, but have a dangerous tendency that is unusual

and not necessary for the purposes for which such animals are usually kept.

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 509 cmt. c.; see also Farley v. M.M. Cattle Co., 549

S.W.2d 453, 456 (Tex. Civ. App. — Waco 1977, writ ref’d n.r.e.). Further, the

animal’s “class” is not limited to a specific breed of that animal. Dunnings v. Castro,

881 S.W.2d 559, 561 (Tex. App. — Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied) (no

evidence suggesting Weimaraner had dangerous propensities that were abnormal

compared to other dogs). Thus, behaviors that are not usual to dogs in general and

that cause a concern for the safety of others is a dangerous propensity.

Other states have given a little more guidance as to “dangerous tendencies.”

A dangerous tendency has been defined by the Indiana Supreme Court as “a tendency

of the animal to do any act that might endanger the safety of persons or property in

a given situation.” Poznanski, 788 N.E.2d at 1258; Appx. 5. A dog can even be

found to have dangerous propensities based on the bite that is the basis of the suit.

15

Id. An unprovoked, intentional bite that is not classified as a playful nibble, even if

it is the first bite, shows a dangerous propensity. Id. Barking and jumping at strangers

as well as a prior bite has been found sufficient in other states to show a dog has

vicious tendencies and to hold the defendant strictly liable. Robinson v. Marino, 3

Wash. 434, 28 P. 752, 753 (1892); Appx. 7.

2. The Third Element Requiring the Owner’s Knowledge

The third element requires the plaintiff to prove the owner knew or had reason

to know the dog had dangerous propensities. It is not necessary to the application of

strict liability for the owner of the dog to know of its abnormally dangerous

propensities. Restatement (Second) of Torts § 509 cmt. g; Appx. 8. It is enough that

he have reason to know thereof. Id. Thus, it is not even necessary for the owner to

know of a prior attack on humans. Id. A dog is no longer regarded as entitled to one

bite. Id. It is enough that the owner knows that the dog on other occasions exhibited

such a tendency to attack humans or other animals or otherwise do harm as should

apprise him of its dangerous character. Id. The knowledge element may be fulfilled

with evidence of either actual or constructive knowledge. See Belger v. Sweeney, 836

S.W.2d 752, 754 (Tex. App. — Houston [1st Dist.] 1992, writ denied). The term

“reason to know” means information from which a reasonably intelligent person

would infer that the animal has dangerous propensities. Marshall, 511 S.W.2d at

258-59.

16

B. The Record Contains Only Affirmative Evidence of Bubba’s Dangerous

Propensities and the Davidsons’ Knowledge of the Dangerous Propensities

A review of the record demonstrates that there is no evidence to support Bubba

did not have dangerous propensities nor is there evidence that the Davidsons did not

know or have reason to know of Bubba’s dangerous propensities. Further, the

converse is true, Bowman presented a great deal of evidence in support of Bubba’s

dangerous propensities and the Davidsons’ knowledge. The parties submitted the

second and third strict liability elements together in the following question and

instruction to the jury in the Court’s Charge:

Question No. 1

On the occasion in question, did the Davidsons know or have reason to

know that their dog had dangerous propensities not normal for a dog.

“Reason to know” means the actor has information from which a person

of reasonable intelligence would infer that the fact in question exists, or

that such person would govern his conduct under the assumption that

such fact exists.

It is enough that the possessor of the animal knows that it had on other

occasions exhibited such a tendency to attack human beings or other

animals or otherwise do harm as should apprise him of its dangerous

character. Thus, the fact that a dog has to his knowledge unsuccessfully

attempted to attack human beings or animals is sufficient to bring its

possessor within knowledge requirement. Sufficient also is any form of

ill temper displayed in the presence of man or beast which would apprise

a reasonable man that animal if uncontrolled would make such an attack.

“Dangerous propensities” means vicious or aggressive tendencies that

are not normal for a dog.

17

Answer “Yes” or “No”.

Answer: Jerry Davidson

Answer: Diana Davidson

Appx. 2; CR 1201. The jury answered “No” to both Jerry and Diana. Id.

1. There is No or Little Evidence to Support Bubba Did Not Have

Dangerous Propensities and Affirmative Evidence to Support He Did

A review of the entire record demonstrates that there was no evidence to

support the jury’s findings. The Davidsons offered no evidence to prove Bubba’s

protectiveness was normal to all dogs, that Bubba was not unusual with regard to his

behavior around strangers or Diana, or that when Bubba attacked Bowman it was not

an aggressive or dangerous behavior.

Further, a second review of the record reveals significant evidence to show

Bubba had dangerous propensities. There are no Texas cases that hold the bite at

issue can not be considered to determine whether the animal has dangerous

propensities. Bubba exhibited a dangerous propensity by viciously attacking

Bowman without any provocation causing her severe injuries to her face. 4 RR

32:11-22. Bubba made no noise or warning before he jumped up and attacked

Bowman. 4 RR 32:24-33:6. The Davidsons do not deny the attack nor do they deny

the bite caused Bowman severe injuries. Diana witnessed the attack. 4 RR 33:13-24.

18

Further, the Davidsons did not try to explain the bite as playful or something other

than a vicious attack meant to injure Bowman.

Additionally, both Diana and Jerry described dangerous propensities in Bubba

at trial. A “dangerous propensity” would include a prior bite of a human being. See

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 509 cmt. c. Billy Strong described the prior incident

to the jury through his deposition testimony as a bite.

Billy Strong:

Q: Had Bubba bitten people, anybody before [Bowman] that you were

aware of?

A: Yes.

Q: Who?

A: Me.

Appx. 3; 1 Sup. RR Video Deposition of Billy Strong. Further, Diana and Jerry

admitted that they knew Bubba bit Strong a year before the attack on Bowman.

Diana Davidson:

Q: And I believe when Billy Strong got bit that you saw the bite. When Billy

Strong got bit did you see the incident?

A: I did.

4 RR 99:16-19.

Q: So he had a hold of him at the pants leg?

A: Yes.

Q: And you know that it left a bruises?

A: Yes.

Q:So you agree that the dog laid teeth on Mr. Strong, a human being?

A: I do know this, yes.

19

Q: And you saw it?

A: I did.

4 RR 100:2-10. Jerry also admitted knowing that Bubba caused a red mark on

Strong’s leg. 4 RR 146:19-23. Even with cattle dog instincts, Blue Heelers should

know the difference between a cow and a human being. 5 RR 38:10-17. There are

no Texas cases affirming a finding of no strict liability when there was an admission

of a prior bite.

If Bubba’s bite that is at issue in this case or his prior bite were not enough,

then Diana and Jerry’s testimony regarding his protectiveness of Diana and

aggressiveness towards strangers demonstrated dangerous propensities. “Dangerous

propensities” also mean dangerous tendencies that are unusual and not necessary for

the purposes for which dogs are usually kept. See Restatement (Second) of Torts, §

509 cmt. c; Appx. 8. The Davidsons admit Bubba had a dangerous tendency to be

aggressive, protective and possessive that was not like other dogs. 4 RR 94:17-19,

146:11-18. He was protective of Diana, 4 RR 93:22-25, and Bubba had a problem

with strangers all of his life. 4 RR 100:21-24.

Diana Davidson:

Q: And did you also tell her [Bowman] that the dog was aggressive?

A: I think, I don’t know whether I said aggressive or protective. He is

very protective of me.

4 RR 93:22-25

20

Q: I asked you a question right here on Line 20. My question was, okay,

what do you mean by aware of dogs. What was your answer?

A: The dog is aggressive, you know, if he doesn’t know someone.

4 RR 94:7-11

Q: You said was protective also?

A: He is.

Q: So we have aggressive, protective, and possessive; is that correct?

A: Yes.

4 RR 94:15-19. When Bowman’s counsel asked Diana why she described Bubba as

aggressive, she said:

A: He is very verbal when strangers come up. He barks, jumps at the fence, he

gives us the indication that, you know, he tells us that someone is there and all.

So I have signs out saying beware of the dogs, because I want them to be aware

of them. He has never bitten anybody, but I just didn’t want to take the chance,

because he does bark and jump at the fence when some stranger comes up.

Q: What chance don’t you want to take?

A:I don’t want to take any chances of any of our animals hurting anybody.

4 RR 94:21-95:5.

Q: Is it fair to say you didn’t want to take the chance of the dog biting

somebody?

A: That is right.

4 RR 95:9-11. Although Jerry testified that Bubba was not dangerous, the question

is dangerous propensities or tendencies. In other words, a propensity or natural

inclination to act dangerous. Jerry stated the following at trial in support of Bubba

having “dangerous propensities”:

21

Jerry Davidson:

Q: So, I realize your position is that the dog is not dangerous, correct?

A: Right.

Q: But you can’t say that all your, your warnings all were there for there

was this propensity for danger, correct? That is different from being

dangerous.

A: Right.

Q: There was a propensity there; correct?

A: Correct.

4 RR 147:6-14. Further, Jerry testified that Bubba was very protective of Diana, 4

RR 130:22-131:6, 138:21-25, and had a clear dislike of strangers. 4 RR 136:16-20.

Jerry admitted Bubba would bark and push him away from Diana when they danced

and Bubba would do the same to anyone else that tried to get between the dog and

Diana. 4 RR 138:21-25, 139:5-7. Jerry even admits someone leaning in toward

Diana would be a threat to the dog. 4 RR 140:3-5. Dr. Haug testified that barking,

jumping and pushing between Jerry and Diana is a low level aggression that is a red

flag. 5 RR 28:7-18. If Bubba would act that way towards Jerry, Bubba would not

hesitate to be more aggressive with a stranger. Further, Jerry admits that Bubba was

different in that way from other dogs, 4 RR 147:23-148:1.

Lastly, whether you use the word protective, possessive or aggressive, Bubba

exhibited dangerous behaviors that caused the Davidsons to warn all new guests not

to interact with Bubba for fear that he would be protective of Diana and bite them.

22

4 RR 95:13-14, 95:21-25; 4 RR 131:12-15, 131:20-23. The Davidsons had been

giving the warning about Bubba for a long time before Bubba bit Bowman. 4 RR

101:6-15. Further, not only did the Davidsons warn people, but their friends would

even warn new guests about Bubba. 5 RR 24:24-25:7. Jerry admits that Bubba was

protective in that he would stand his ground with Diana and that is also why Diana

gave the warnings. 4 RR 130:22-131:10. Protective and possessive behavior

generally just gets worse and worse over time if not formally corrected. 5 RR 25:16-

22. So, if not corrected, protectiveness and possessiveness becomes dangerous. 5 RR

25:23-25. The Davidsons did not ever correct Bubba’s behavior. 4 RR 89:14-15;

4RR 130:17-18; 5 RR 27:18-21. Bubba’s behavior did not fit within the behavior of

what is acceptable of a typical or normal dog. 5 RR 23:14-16. Diana herself admitted

she had reason to know the dog might bite somebody and that was reason to know he

[Bubba] might be dangerous. 4 RR 101:24-102:2. The Davidsons also testified as

follows:

Diana Davidson:

Q: Is it fair to say you didn’t want to take a chance of the dog biting

somebody?

A: That is right.

Q: That is why you warn them?

A: I warned them, yes, because he is very protective of me and he does

- - he, if he doesn’t know someone he barks at them.

4 RR 95:9-15.

23

Q: So the cause of your warnings is him being aggressive?

A: Yes

Q: Your wanting to avoid a bite; correct?

A: Yes.

4 RR 95:21-25.

Jerry Davidson:

Q: Do you believe he would be aggressive if he, the dog, thought Diana

was in danger?

Y: Yes.

4 RR 139:20-22.

Q: Okay. Well, that is why you give the warnings is because you knew

the propensity was there for it [the bite] to happen?

A: Yes, that is the reason that they give the warning.

4 RR 140:10-13.

Q: There was a propensity there; correct?

A: Correct.

Q: Okay. And you knew that?

A: Well, like I say, I didn’t give the warning?

Q: That was the reason, that was the reason for the warning?

A: That was the reason my wife gave the warning.

Q: Because of the propensity for danger?

A: Right.

4 RR 147:13-22. Accordingly, the Davidsons’ own testimony demonstrates that they

gave the warnings to new guests because of Bubba’s protective and aggressive

24

tendencies and because they were afraid Bubba would bite someone if they did

interact with the dog.

2. No or Little Evidence to Support the Davidsons Did Not Know or Did

Not Have Reason to Know Bubba Had Dangerous Propensities and

Affirmative Evidence to Support They Did Have Knowledge

Next, the record reveals that the Davidsons clearly knew or had reason to know

of Bubba’s dangerous propensities. First, the Davidsons were aware of Bubba’s prior

bite. Diana witnessed Bubba bite Strong. 4 RR 99:24-100:3. She had to call the dog

off Strong to get him to let go of Strong’s leg. 4 RR 99:24-100:3. Diana knew that

Bubba bit or nipped Strong and left a bruise on his leg. 4 RR 100:4-10. Jerry also

knew about the prior bite. 4 RR 146:19-23.

Second, both Diana and Jerry admit they warned new people to stay away from

Bubba because they were afraid Bubba would bite someone. 4 RR 95:21-25, 101:24-

102:2, 114:2-4; 4 RR 131:12-15, 131:20-23. Dr. Haug testified that every client she

has had that gave warnings about their dog did so because they had some knowledge

about the dog’s previous behavior that made them concerned that something bad was

going to happen. 5 RR 17:3-7. People give warnings about their dogs because the

dog’s behavior concerns them. 5 RR 17-12-14. Dr. Haug was positive that the

Davidsons recognized the risk Bubba posed. 5 RR 39:10-21. Again, the Davidsons

did not refute or contradict Dr. Haug’s testimony.

25

Third, both Diana and Jerry describe Bubba as protective of Diana and as

disliking strangers. Both Diana and Jerry repeatedly describe Bubba as aggressive,

protective and possessive at different points during their trial testimony. 4 RR 94:17-

19; 4 RR 138:20-22. Diana admits Bubba was that way all of his life. 4 RR 100-23-

24. Further, Jerry admits that Bubba acts aggressive by barking and pushing anyone

that gets too close to Diana. 4 RR 138: 12-15, 21-25. He had known about this

behavior for a long time. 4 RR 139:1-4. Further, he understood the behavior was a

part of Bubba being protective of Diana. 4 RR 139: 5-7. Diana herself admitted she

had reason to know the dog might bite somebody and that was reason to know he

[Bubba] might be dangerous. 4 RR 101:24-102:2.

A prior bite is not required to show dangerous propensities. The Davidsons’

testimony at trial seemed to suggest that when Bubba bit Strong it was a playful bite.

4 RR 96:13-21. Therefore, the prior bite does not count and is irrelevant. But even

if the Court believes this to be true, it does not change the Davidsons own testimony

regarding Bubba’s aggressiveness toward strangers and protectiveness of Diana. 4

RR 95:9-13;4 RR 130:22-131:6, 136:16-20, 138:21-25, 139:1-7. These are

dangerous propensities and the Davidsons were well aware of them prior to Bubba

biting Bowman.

Most, if not all, of the Davidsons’ testimony evidencing knowledge of Bubba’s

dangerous propensities was solicited during Bowman’s case in chief when the

26

Davidsons were called as adverse witnesses. If their testimony had been anything

other than concise, clear and conclusive, they could have corrected their own

testimony during the Davidsons’ case in chief. However, in Davidsons’ case in chief,

only Diana testified (Jerry did not). In fact, the only question asked of Diana when

she testified in her own case in chief by Bowman’s counsel was:

Diana Davidson:

Q: Mrs. Davidson, are you recanting any of your testimony from

yesterday?

A: I don’t think so.

4 RR 157:21-23. In Collora v. Navarro, the Texas Supreme Court held a directed

verdict may be based on the uncontroverted testimony of a party to the lawsuit when

the testimony is clear, direct, positive and uncontradicted, is devoid of inconsistencies

and is uncontradicted. Collora, 574 S.W.2d 65, 69 (Tex. 1978); see also Washington

v. Reliable Life Ins. Co., 581 S.W.2d 153, 159 (Tex. 1979) (holding the jury must

believe an interested witness as a matter of law if their testimony is the only

testimony on an issue and it is clear, direct and positive and is uncontradicted).

Clearly, if the jury has to believe a plaintiff’s clear and concise testimony when

the plaintiff has the burden of proof, the jury would certainly have to take the

defendants, in this case the Davidsons’ testimony, during Bowman’s case in chief as

true, without being able to pass on its credibility. This is especially true since the

Davidsons had an opportunity to recant or rebut the testimony in their own case in

27

chief, but failed to do so. The Davidsons called no expert witnesses. Further, the

knowledge of the other witnesses called by the Davidsons is not at issue in this case.

The Davidsons’ knowledge of their own dog’s propensities to be dangerous is the

question for the jury. The other lay witnesses cannot be said to have contradicted the

Davidsons’ own admissions to their knowledge of Bubba’s dangerous propensities.

There is no question to the jury as to what others observed or believed. The

Davidsons’ testimony must be relied upon as credible. According to the Texas

Supreme Court, the jury cannot disregard the Davidsons’ testimony for any reason

and must take it as true. Thus, the jury had no option, but to find the Davidsons

strictly liable as a matter of law, period.

If the Court finds some evidence in the record to support the jury’s finding, a

factual sufficiency review of the evidence reveals the jury’s findings as to Question

No. 1 for both Jerry and Diana were against the great weight and preponderance of

the evidence. Thus, although there may be some conflicting evidence on the issue,

the evidence against the jury’s findings to Question No. 1 is so great as to make the

jury’s findings erroneous and subject to reversal. Accordingly, Bowman asks the

Court of Appeals to reverse the jury’s findings of “no” to Question No. 1 as to Diana

and/or Jerry and enter findings of “yes.” Because there is legally and factually

insufficient evidence in support of the jury’s findings, the jury’s findings should be

reversed.

28

C. Conclusion

The Davidsons clearly wanted Bubba to be protective and possessive of Diana

so she would be protected when Jerry was out of town with work. 4 RR 139:8-16.

Bowman is not claiming the Davidsons were wrong to want or even encourage

protectiveness in their dog. But as Dr. Haug testified, protectiveness is a behavior

that can have a tendency or propensity toward danger. 5 RR 25:16-25, 26:2-3. Thus,

it is the dog owner’s responsibility to train a dog with regard to when to be protective

and with whom. 5 RR 27:1-17. Further, if the owners do not properly train their dog,

then they have the responsibility to remove the dog from situations where the dog

may act protectively in inappropriate situations. 5 RR 25:23-27:17. The Davidsons

had the ability and knowledge to know when a dog had dangerous propensities and

to protect guests because they had a dog named, Maggie, before Bubba and always

kept her up when people came over. 5 RR 31:16-32:2; 5 RR 150:4-18.

The Davidsons knew gatherings involving strangers in their home were

situations when the dog would act protectively or the Davidsons would not have

warned all new guests about the dog, 4 RR 95:13-14, 95:21-25, 4 RR 130:22-131:10,

or put the dog up when there was a large gathering. 4 RR 103:18-24. It was only a

matter of time before someone got hurt. 5 RR 37:13-16. Yet the Davidsons did not

train the dog, 4 RR 89:14-15; 4 RR 130:17-18; 5 RR 27:18-21, nor did they always

put the dog up. In order to satisfy the elements of strict liability with domestic dogs

29

all Bowman had to prove was dangerous propensity and knowledge. She did so

through the Davidsons’ own testimony at trial. The fact that the jury answered “No”

to Question No. 1 may reflect the jury’s dissatisfaction with the law, but it was not

within their power to chose to follow the law or not. The evidence in the record

fulfills the second and third elements of the claim as a matter of law or the evidence

is so overwhelmingly in support of affirmative findings as to justify reversal.

Accordingly, Bowman asks the Court to follow the law and reverse the jury’s findings

as to both Jerry and Diana for Question No. 1.

30

Second Issue

(Restated)

Bowman was entitled to an affirmative answer as a matter of law that the

dog’s dangerous propensities were the producing cause of Bowman’s

injuries, or in the alternative, a negative finding would have been against

the great weight and preponderance of the evidence.

A. Strict Liability Requires Bowman to Prove the Dangerous Propensities Were

the Producing Cause of Bowman’s Injuries

Bowman is also entitled to a finding that Bubba’s dangerous propensities were

the producing cause of her injuries. With regard to the last element, Bowman has

conclusive evidence to prove Bubba’s dangerous propensities were the producing

cause of her injuries. Marshall, 511 S.W.2d at 258. A “producing cause” is a

substantial factor in bringing about an injury, and without which the injury would not

have occurred. Ford Motor Co. v. Ledesma, 242 S.W.3d 32, 46 (Tex. 2007). This

definition includes the essential elements of producing cause: (1) the cause must be

a substantial cause of the event at issue and (2) it must be a but-for cause, namely

without which the event would not have occurred. Id. Proof of producing cause

involves a lower burden than proof of proximate cause, because proof of producing

cause does not require a showing of foreseeability. Thompson, 127 S.W.3d at 451.

B. The Record Contains Only Affirmative Evidence in Support of Bubba’s

Dangerous Propensities As the Producing Cause of the Bite

Although the jury did not answer Question No. 2 regarding producing cause

in the Court’s Charge, the evidence in the record, either as a matter of law or because

31

the great weight and preponderance of the evidence supports it, entitles Bowman to

an affirmative answer to the question of whether Bubba’s dangerous propensities

were the producing cause of Bowman’s injuries. As set forth above, the Davidsons

admit Bubba was aggressive, protective and possessive. 4 RR 94:17-19; 4 RR

146:11-18. Bubba was very protective of Diana, 4 RR 93:22-25, and had a clear

dislike of strangers. 4 RR 100:21-24. These dangerous tendencies were the

producing cause of Bubba’s bite. On the night of the occurrence, Bowman sat next

to Diana at the dinner table. 4 RR 29:14-21; 4 RR 106:17-18. She was leaning

toward Diana when Bubba bit her in the face. 4 RR 32:15-18; 4 RR 108:6-7, 110:13-

16. Further, Dr. Kenneth W. Sanders, Bowman’s medical expert, testified that in his

opinion, based on reasonable medical probability, all of the problems Bowman has

experienced with her lips and mouth were a result of the dog attack on June 24, 2012.

Appx. 4; 1 R. Supp. R. Index, Video Deposition of Dr. Kenneth W. Sanders.4

The aggressive, protective, and possessive behaviors previously exhibited by

Bubba led to this bite. 5 RR 87:14-25. Bubba was protecting Diana from the stranger

of the group, Bowman. If Bubba would push Jerry away from Diana demonstrating

4

For the Court of Appeals’ convenience, in addition to citing to the video deposition

included in the Reporter’s Record in the Supplemental Exhibit Index, Bowman has also attached

the line and page excerpt from Dr. Kenneth Sanders’ deposition that Bowman is relying on and

that was included in the video shown the jury in the Appellant’s Appendix, Tab 4.

32

a low level of aggression, 5 RR 28:7-18, what would he do to someone he did not

know who was leaning toward Diana: the answer is protect Diana by biting them.

Jerry Davidson:

Q: and the mere fact of somebody leaning toward Diana, as far as we

know, that could set the dog off?

A: Right.

4 RR 140:3-5. Further, Bubba bit her on the right side of the face which is consistent

with Bowman leaning over to speak with Diana. 4 RR 33:2-10. Bubba’s dangerous

propensities were a substantial factor in bringing about the bite and without which the

bite would not have occurred. Accordingly, the evidence supports a finding of “yes”

as to whether Bubba’s dangerous propensities were the producing cause of Bowman’s

injury.

C. Conclusion

It is clear from the record that Bubba had dangerous tendencies in that he was

very protective of Diana and distrusting of new people. The circumstances of the

night in question had Bowman, a newly introduced person to Bubba, sitting close to

Diana at the dinner table with Bubba sitting directly in between them. Jerry testified

that Bubba does not like anyone, including Jerry, to get too close to Diana. 4 RR

138:12-25, 139:5-7. Further, Bubba will stand his ground when he feels a threat to

Diana. 4 RR 130:22-131:6. When Bowman leaned in toward Diana, Bubba saw

Bowman trying to get close to Diana. Thus, the only evidence in the record to

33

explain the attack was Bubba’s dangerous propensity for protectiveness and

aggression toward strangers. Even the Judge of the trial court believed that Bubba’s

dangerous propensities were the producing cause of Bowman’s injuries. 7 RR 9:11-

15. Accordingly, if the Court finds the answer to Question No. 1 should be reversed,

the record demonstrates the only acceptable answer to Question No. 2 is “yes.”

Therefore, Bowman asks the Court to enter such finding.

WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Bowman prays the judgment be

in all respects REVERSED with regard to dangerous propensities as to either or both

the Davidsons and producing cause, and the cause be REMANDED back to the trial

court for a determination of damages, for the reasons set forth herein.

In the alternative, Bowman prays the judgment be REVERSED as to either or

both the Davidsons as to dangerous propensities and the cause be REMANDED back

to the trial court for further proceedings, as the Court sees fit, for the reasons set forth

herein.

Further and in the alternative, Bowman prays for the cause to be REMANDED

back to the trial court for a new trial, if necessary.

34

Bowman prays for such other and further relief, general or special, in law or

in equity, to which she may show herself to be justly entitled.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Jack M. Sanders, Jr.

JACK M. SANDERS, JR.

109 East Houston Street

P.O. Box 1387

Marshall, Texas 75671-1387

(903) 935-7172

(903) 938-8616 (Fax)

sanders.jack@sbcblobal.net

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT

Certificate of Compliance

Pursuant to Tex. R. App. Pro. 9.4(i)(3), the undersigns hereby certifies that

according to the word count function of the computer program used to generate the

document, the portions of the Appellant’s Brief subject to the rule contain 7,574

words total and that the text thereof is in 14 point Times New Roman font.

/s/Jack M. Sanders, Jr.

Jack M. Sanders, Jr.

35

Certificate of Service

The undersigned hereby certifies that, pursuant to Tex. R. App. Pro. 9.5(a), a

true and correct copy of the foregoing Appellant’s Brief has been sent to the

following counsel of record through the Court’s on-line filing system, on this, the

19th day of March, 2015:

Alan E. Brown

Boyd & Brown, P.C.

1215 Pruitt Place

Tyler, Texas 75703

Counsel for the Appellees

/s/Jack M. Sanders, Jr.

Jack M. Sanders, Jr.

36

CASE NO. 06-14-00094-CV

_____________________________________________________________

IN THE SIXTH COURT OF APPEALS

TEXARKANA, TEXAS

_____________________________________________________________

Nancy Elizabeth Bowman,

Appellant,

vs.

Jerry Davidson and

Diana Davidson,

Appellees.

______________________________________________________________

On Appeal from the 71st Judicial District

Harrison County, Texas

Cause No. 13-0618

The Honorable Brad Morin, Presiding

______________________________________________________________

APPENDIX

______________________________________________________________

JACK M. SANDERS, JR.

109 East Houston Street

P.O. Box 1387

Marshall, Texas 75671-1387

(903) 935-7172

(903) 938-8616 (Fax)

sanders.jack@sbcblobal.net

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT

37

APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS

DOCUMENTS TAB

Judgment entered August 14, 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Court’s Charge.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Transcript Excerpts from the Video Deposition of Billy Strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Transcript Excerpts from the Video Deposition of Dr. Kenneth Sanders. . . . . . . . 4

Poznanski ex rel Poznanski v. Horvath, 788 N.E.2d 1255 (Ind. 2003). . . . . . . . . . 5

Deardoff v. Burger, 606 A.2d 489 (Pa. 1992).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Robinson v. Marino, 3 Wash. 434, 28 P. 752 (1892). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 509. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

38

08/~/2614 15:28 BOYD- PAGE 05/06

0 flLElHOUteORD +'~

HARRISON, COUNTY, lWS . ,

CLERK DISTRICT COURT .;

CAUSE NO. 13-0618

NANCY ELIZABETH BOWMAN § IN TirE DISTRICT COuRBv

§ ---t""Ei£!!:::,....;..:.-

v. § 71"'" JUDICIAL DISTRICT

§

JERRY DAVIDSON and §

DIANA DAVIDSON § HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

JtiDGMENT

On August 18, 2014, this cause came on to be heard in this court. PlaintiffNancy Elizabeth

Bowman appeared in person and by her attorney of record, Jack Sanders, and announced ready for

trial. Defendants Jerry Davidson and Diana Davidson appeared in person and by his attorney of

record, Alan E. Brown, and announced ready for trial. A jury having been previously dexnanded, a

jury consisting oftwelve qualified jurors was duly impaneled and sworn, and the case proceeded to

trial. At the conclusion of the evidence, the Court submitted the questions of fact to the jury. The

charge ofthe.court and verdict of the jury are inco!'POrated for all purposes herein by reference.

Because it appears to the court that the verdict of the jmy was for Defendants and against Plaintiff,

judgment should be rendet:ed on the verdict in favor of Defendants and against Plaintiff

The court, after hearing the evidence and arguments of counsel, is of the opinion that

Plaintiff should take nothing by this suit.

ITISTHEREFOREORDEREDBYTHECOURTthatPlaintifftakenothingbythissuitand

that ail costs of court be taxed against Plaintiff.

Judgment ]>age 1

4

08/25/2~14 15:28 903525'=0 BOVDBFDWN PAGE 06/06

Q

All other reliefnot expressly granted in this Judgment is denied.

Signed this ...zL of_.,_A'-'-~-J---->' ~·

day 1014

JUDG~

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

AlllliE. Bro

State Bar No~.~9lJ,l.oo"..­

Attomey for Defendants

Pagel

5

F I L E D . ~n 1:1

R

CAUSE NO. 13-0618

NANCY ELIZABETH BOWMAN § IN THE DISTRICT COURT

§

v. § 71 ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

§

JERRY DAVIDSON AND §

DIANA DAVIDSON § HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

COURT'S CHARGE

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY:

This case is submitted to you by asking questions about the facts, which you must decide

from the evidence you have heard in this trial. You are the sole judges of the credibility of the

witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony, but in matters of Jaw, you must be governed by

the instructions in this charge. In discharging your responsibility on this jury, you will observe all the

instructions which have previously been given you. I shall now give you additional instructions

which you should carefully and strictly follow during your deliberations.

1. Do not let bias, prejudice or sympathy play any part in your deliberations.

2. In arriving at your answers, consider only the evidence introduced here under oath and

such exhibits, if any, as have been introduced for your consideration under the rulings of

the Court, that is, what you have seen and heard in this courtroom, together with the law

as given you by the Court. In your deliberations, you will not consider or discuss

anything that is not represented by the evidence in this case.

3. Since every answer that is required by the charge is important, no juror should state or

consider that any required answer is not important.

~·

1198

4. You must not decide who you think should win, and then try to answer the questions

accordingly. Simply answer the questions, and do not discuss nor concern yourselves

with the effect of your answers.

5. You will not decide an issue by lot orby drawing straws, or by any other method of

chance. Do not return a quotient verdict. A quotient verdict means that the jurors agree to

abide by the result to be reached by adding together each juror's figures and dividing by

the number of jurors to get an average. Do not do any trading on your answers; that is,

one juror should not agree to answer a certain question one way if others will agree to

answer another question another way.

6. You may render your verdict upon the vote of ten or more members of the jury. The same

ten or more of you must agree upon all of the answers made and to the entire verdict. You

will not, therefore, enter into an agreement to be bound by a majority or any other vote of

less than ten jurors. If the verdict and all of the answers therein are reached by unanimous

agreement, the presiding juror shall sign the verdict for the entire jury. If any juror

disagrees as to any answer made by the verdict, those jurors who agree to all findings

shall each sign the verdict.

These instructions are given you because your conduct is subject to review the same as that

of the witnesses, parties, attorneys and the judge. If it should be found that you have disregarded any

of these instructions, it will be jury misconduct and it may require another trial by another jury; then

all of our time will have been wasted.

The presiding juror or any other juror who observes a violation of the Court's instructions

shall immediately warn the one who is violating the same and caution the juror not to do so again.

1199

When words are used in this charge in a sense which varies from the meaning commonly

understood, you are given a proper legal definition, which you are bound to accept in place of any

other definition or meaning.

Answer "Yes" or "No" to all questions unless otherwise instructed. A "Yes" answer must be

based on a preponderance ofthe evidence. If you do not find that a preponderance ofthe evidence

supports a "Yes" answer, then answer "No". The tenn "preponderance of the evidence" means the

greater weight and degree of credible testimony or evidence introduced before you and admitted in

this case. Whenever a question requires other than a "Yes" or "No" answer, your answer must be

based on a preponderance of the evidence.

"Bowman" shall mean Nancy Elizabeth Bowman, plaintiff herein.

"Defendants" shall refer collectively to Jerry Davidson and Diana Davidson, defendants

herein.

The "dog" shall mean and refer to Bubba, the male dog owned or possessed by Jerry

Davidson and Diana Davidson.

The "occurrence in question" means the incident on June 24, 2012 when Bowman was bitten

by the dog owned by Jerry Davidson and Diana Davidson.

f""- • .. 1 ~: • ~ "

:~~~·· qr~t,

·-.. _.... ..a. . ~

1200

QUESTION NO. 1

On the occasion in question, did the Davidsons know or have reason to know that their dog

had dangerous propensities not nonnal for a dog.

"Reason to know" means the actor has information from which a person of reasonable

intelligence would infer that the fact in question exists, or that such person would govern his conduct

under the assumption that such fact exists.

It is enough that the possessor of the animal knows that it has on other occasions exhibited

such a tendency to attack human beings or other animals or otherwise to do harm as should apprise

him of its dangerous character. Thus, the fact that a dog has to his knowledge unsuccessfully

attempted to attack human beings or other animals is sufficient to bring its possessor within

knowledge requirement. Sufficient also is any form of ill temper displayed in the presence of man or

beast which would apprise a reasonable man that the animal if uncontrolled would make such an

attack.

"Dangerous propensities" means vicious or aggressive tendencies that are not nonnal for a

dog.

Answer "Yes" or "No".

Answer: Jerry Davidson No

Diana Davidson

. [A.

1201 --- -:: . UL . . -=--

.•......

If you have answered "Yes" to Question No. 1, then answer Question No.2 otherwise, do not

answer Question No.2

QUESTION NO.2

Was the animal's dangerous propensities the producing cause of the plaintiffs injury?

You are instructed that "PRODUCING CAUSE" means a cause that was a substantial factor

in bringing about the injury, and without which the injury would not have occurred. There may be

more than one producing cause.

Answer "Yes" or "No":

Answer: - - - - -

u ____ _

< •• ("~ ·i

1202

QUESTION NO. 3

If you answered "no" to Question 1, please answer the following question. Otherwise, do not

answer the following question.

Did the negligence, if any, of Jerry Davidson or Diana Davidson in handling the dog

proximately cause Bowman's injuries?

"Negligence" means failure to use ordinary care, that is, failing to do that which a person of

ordinary prudence would have done under the same or similar circumstances or doing that which a

person of ordinary prudence would not have done under the same or similar circumstances.

"Negligence" with regard to handling a dog, may include one who keeps a dog which

possesses only those dangerous propensities which are normal to other dogs is required to know its

normal habits and tendencies. He is, therefore, required to realize that even ordinarily gentle dogs are

likely to be dangerous under particular circumstances and to exercise reasonable care to prevent

foreseeable harm.

"Ordinary care" means that degree of care that would be used by a person of ordinary

prudence under the same or similar circumstances.

"Proximate cause" means that cause which, in a natural and continuous sequence, produces

an event, and without which cause such event would not have occurred. In order to be a proximate

cause, the act or omission complained of must be such that a person using ordinary care would have

foreseen that the event, or some similar event, might reasonably result therefrom. There may be more

than one proximate cause of an event.

l

• ..I'

1203

In order for Bowman to be negligent, Defendants had to adequately warn Bowman.

An "adequate warning" is a warning that catches the attention of a person and conveys a fair

indication of the nature and extent of the danger being warned against in the mind of a reasonably

prudent person.

Answer "Yes" or "No".

Jerry Davidson No

Diana Davidson Nv

Bowman

1204

QUESTION NO. 4:

If you answered "yes" to Jerry Davidson or Diana Davidson and Bowman in Question No.3,

please answer the following question. Otherwise, do not answer the following question.

Assign percentages of responsibility only to those you found caused or contributed to cause

the injury. The percentage you find must total I 00 percent. The percentages must be expressed in

whole numbers. The percentage of responsibility attributable to a person is not necessarily measured

by the number of acts or omissions found. The percentage attributable to any one need not be the

same percentage attributed to that one in answering another question.

For each person you found that caused or contributed to cause the injury, find the percentage

of responsibility attributable to each:

a. Jerry Davidson

----------------------%

b. Diana Davidson

----------------------%

c. Bowman

-----------------------%

Total 100 %

--------~~-------

- - - ~-

1205

QUESTION NO. 5

If you answered Questions No. 1 and No.2 with "yes", please answer the following

question. If you answered Question 3 with "yes" as to Jerry or Diana Davidson and with "no"

as to Bowman or answered 50 percent or less as to Bowman in Question No. 4, then please

answer the following question. Otherwise, do not answer the following question.

What sum of money, if paid now in cash, would fairly and reasonably compensate

Bowman for her injuries, if any, that resulted from the occurrence in question?

Consider the elements of damages listed below and none other. Consider each

element separately. Do not award any sum of money on any element if you have otherwise,

under some other element, awarded a sum of money for the same loss. That is, do not

compensate twice for the same loss, if any. Do not include interest on any amount of

damages you find.

Answer separately, in dollars and cents, for damages, if any.

a. Medical care expenses that, in reasonable probability, Bowman will incur in the

future.

Answer:- - - -

b. Physical pain and mental anguish sustained in the past.

Answer:- - - -

c. Physical pain and mental anguish that, in reasonable probability, Bowman will

sustain in the future.

Answer: - - - -

1206

d. Disfigurement sustained in the past.

Answer:- - - -

e. Disfigurement that, in reasonable probability, Bowman will sustain in the future.

Answer:- - - -

f. Physical impairment sustained in the past.

Answer:- - - -

g. Physical impairment that, in reasonable probability, Bowman will sustain in the

future.

Answer:- - - -

h. Loss of earning capacity sustained in the past.

Answer: - - - -

1207

.

After you retire to the jury room, you will select your own presiding juror. The first thing the

presiding juror will do is to have this complete charge read aloud and then you will deliberate upon

your answers to the questions asked.

It is the duty of the presiding juror:

1. To preside during your deliberations;

2. To see that your deliberations are conducted in an orderly manner and in accordance with

the instructions in this charge;

3. To write out and hand to the bailiff any communications concerning the case which you

desire to have delivered to the judge;

4. To vote on the issues;

5. To write your answers to the issues in the spaces provided; and

6. To certify to your verdict in the space provided for the presiding juror's signature or to

obtain the signatures of all the jurors who agree with the verdict if your verdict is less

than unanimous.

You should not discuss the case with anyone, not even with other members of the jury, unless

all of you are present and assembled in the jury room. Should anyone attempt to talk to you about the

case before the verdict is returned, whether at the courthouse, at your home, or elsewhere, please

inform the judge of this fact.

When you have answered all of the questions which you are required to answer under the

instructions ofthe judge, and your presiding juror has placed your answers in the spaces provided

and signed the verdict as presiding juror or obtained the signatures, you will inform the bailiff at the

door of the jury room that you have reached a verdict, and then you will return into Court with your

verdict.

JUDGE PRESIDING

.. r"""AA--

1208

We, the jury, have answered the above and foregoing questions as herein indicated, and

herewith return same into court as our verdict.

(To be signed by the presiding juror if unanimous.)

Presiding Juror

(To be signed by those rendering verdict if not unanimous.)

~~~~6v<U~

{) {J.;YU(f/

,~4,-

,~') ,/! "" Y 1

(_J

~- - --

1209

Page I

1 CAUSE NO. 13-0618

2 N~21~:NCY ELIZABETH BOl~MAN, IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF

Pla.ir1tiff',

3

HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

De .fenda.n t.s., 71ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

9

10 I>J0\7E:V1BEF. 1.8, 2013

11 \]OLUI\]E l OE' J.

Ll **************************************** **************

13

14

15 produced as a wi~ness at the instance of the De

M and duly sworn, was taken in the above-styled and

18 4:34 p.m. to 5:43 p.rn., before rerri

19 in and fer the s~ate of Texas, reported by computerized

m stenotype machine, at the offices of Mr. Jack Sanders,

21 Jr., 109 East Houston Street, Marshall, Texas, pursuant

ll to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the provisions

n stated on che record or attached hereto.

24

25

Deposition Resources, 1nc.

800.295.4 l 09

Eiectronica!iy signed by Terri Lynn Smith (501-237-608-4107) 16a5ed0f-8516-4c02-81 cc-9c82S8f78b4c

Page2

1 A ~ P E A R A N 2 E S

2

:!LR" ,_T.ACI< SPJ'1DERS I ~TR.

3 fl.TTORNEY AT L~,W

109 East Houston S~reet

4 Marshall, Texas 75671

{903) 935-7.172

- . , ...,

l:"acsimi1e: (903) 938-8616

5

6 COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF: Nancy Elizabeth Bowman

7

8 MR. AU\N E. BROWN

BOYD & BROWN, P.C.

9 1215 Pruitt Place

Tyler, Texas 75703

10 Telep.'.rtorte: 903 ::;26-9JCO

Facsim.i le: 903 5?6-9CiCl

11

COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANTS: Jerry Davi

12

13

14

15

~ ALSO PRESENT: Mr Sart Leigh, videographer

Ms. Nancy Elizabeth Bowman

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Deposition Resources, Inc.

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Page 28

:I

3

the fac:e,

Q.

I-1e j:irn.pe<J t:.p arid got f-1er tri.ere.

Okay. So could you actually see the dog --

4 Q. -- part er the dog when -- when he bit?

5

6 Okay. Do you recall before the bite, I mean,

7 was the do~ making noise or doing anything, or was it

8 just sort of out of the blue?

9 No. He was just sitting there.

10 Q. Novv, y~ou. s.a.-Ld Ms ...8()V/rI1a.n 1ean.ed, lvha.t,

11 direction of the dog?

12 A.

13 Now, would that have -- so if the dog's between

14 Yis. Bowman and Diana, that -- she was tr1en leaning in

15 tte direction also of Diana?

16

17 Had the. Bt1bba

18 we're, at this point, tal about Bubba. Okay? We

~ understand that?

20 Yes.

21 Q. All right. Had Bubba n1tten peop1e, anybody

n before that you were aware of?

23 A.

24 Q. Okay. h7l1c>?

25 A. Me.

Deposition Resources. Inc.

800.295 .4109

Electronically signed by Terri Lynn Smith (601-237-608-4107) 16a5ed0f-8516-4c02-81 cc-9c8298f78b4c

Paoc

b

30

1 Q. Okay" .

2 A. Okay. Tha~'s when I signed it.

3 Q. So so you told Jack or someone in nis

4 office

5 Yes .

6 Q. -- a.bout \-Vha t t1apperled., a.nd. sornebody '-";rote ~ +-

7 out and then you signed it saying, Yeah, that's --

8 A.. Yes.

9 -- that's what happened?

10 l-\ .. Yes .

11 Q. Okay. Okay. Now, when it says that -- what

12 does it say? It says, I was bitten or the dog bit me.

13 What's the language there?

14 "Niooed me on the back of my leg. 0

Okay. De yol1 rernerr~be:c the occasion., sc<rt of

16 mean, were you just sitting around or can you

17 -- ao you remember wha~ was happening that the dog did

18 that?

19 A,.

20 ~e_i us -- tell us what occurred.

21 They had had a repairman there to work on their

22 heater, and he had gotten up and left and forgot his nag

n of tools and was out in his car fixing to leave, and

24 Diana asked me to take the bag of tools out. So I

25 grabbed che tools and I took off at a trot towards the

Deposition Resources, fnc.

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Electronically signed by Terri Lynn Smith (601-237-608-4107) 16a5ed0f-8516-4c02-81 cc-9c8298f78b4c

Page 31

1 front door, and Bubba got me.

2 Q. Okay.

3 !~ .. He nipped me on ~he back of the

4 ?~ll right . Did -- did it break the skin?

5 A. No.

6 Okay. Just left a reci rnark

7 A. Yeah; bruised, but ....

8 Q. Okay. Did you seeK any medical attention?

9 T~

..c·;,. • No.

10 Q. Okay.

11 Diana respond? Did she holler at the dog or :ing?

12 Do you. rern.err~ber?

13 Yes. She fussed at him.

14 Okay. Other than t~at occurrence -- well, ~et

15 me strike thac:..

16 Had you ever known Bubba tc do that,

17 know, bite, a.hold of sorrtebocly t;E::f<>re?

18 A. t~o ..

19 Had you ever observed Bubba out working,

W messing with tne cows?

21 A. Not real no.

22 (';

"'·' Okay.

23 A. He doesn't go cut there mucn.

24 ..,.

n Okay. Now, do you know what breed of dog Bubba

25 is?

Deposition Resources, Inc.

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Page 38

1 know, I'm thinking, weii, ne nipped me, you know.

2 ()

xo• He might ge1::. somebody else?

3 Yeah. He migbt somebody. I've kr1own 1-iirn,

4 you know, since he was brought there, a puppy, so ....

5 ~ow long was it :ram the time when he nipped

7 V'

.! .. ,.

8 Q. ()}ca~:/ .

9 A.

10 In c:.hat did any -- was there any

11 other inc:ider1t, else happen that made you any

12 more concerned or was that sort of it?

13 That was it.

14 Q. Did Diana ever say anything to you a:ter

15 ne bit you that she was more concerned or or -~

16 No.

17 Ckay. aces Bubba respond to Diana?

18 In other hrorc.ts, if Diana ~-;;1.ves I-1in a c:::crrrrnar1d er

19 whatever, does the re

20 Yes .

21 Q.

22 Yes.

23 Equally the same or more one than the a~her?

24 7\

.ti. • I clon.' t T co0ldn't tell you that.

25 Q. Okay.

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Page 45

1 p.m.

2 (Break from 5:17 p.rn. to 5:19 p.m.)

3

4 record at 5:19 o.m.

5

7 Mr. Strong, my name's Jack Sanders, and I

8 represent I"".Ts .. Bo\~1n.art,. And to cl.arify, I cam.e to see

9 you, and you told me what happened, I wrote it down, and

w then you made some corrections, I think, where you

11 initialed it and you signed that; is that correct?

12 A.

13 Your stacement. We're talking about No. --

14

15 Q. -- l'-Jo. <l?

16 lA. Yes .

17 All right, sir. Now, I have previous ta.k.en

18 the deposition of Mrs. Davidson this morning, and we've

W talked about the bi~e that's mentioned there in Exhibit

~ No. 4, and she says that she witnessed that -- that

.., - '

21 ~b.i.te .. Is that your ::·eccJ....Lec-:.::ioc. --

22 Yes.

23 -- when ~he dog attacked you -- or bit you?

24 Yes.

25 And I believe she described it as she had to

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Page 57

1 tell you ~he trutn.

2 I was just wondering if it's as the dog aged he

3 got more aggressive or more protective?

4 I think I've lived at that house

5 longer than what I've thought. If he's 11 years ala,

6 I've been there longer than that, ~u • • • .

7 That's what t:.hey said this morning.

8 Looking back on this, what could have been done to avoid

9 this accident?

10 1-\. should have been put up, period.

11 Q. All y

12 For that fact..

13 Q. Sir.

14 It should have iust been put up to avoid

15 something like that.

16 All right. And -- and let me as~ you this:

·11 Where you work, you're in maintenance?

18 7'.

n. Yes.

19 Q. Is safety a big element er aspect of your job?

20 -'!.es, sir .

21 Q. .LZ\.nd -- a.nd cio yo1_:_ ag·ree th.at:. i. f t:X.-1::::.~re' s a

ll dangerous situation, that it's the duty to warn about

B that dangerous situation; is that correct?

24 A. Yes.

25 Q. A:nd if :/OU c:ar1':. adequa_te1y vvarn ab<)Ut. t~f1at

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1 dangerous situation, what's the next best thing?

2

3 Q. To do away with the --

4 !".. De away --

5 {\

':i.::::: .. dangerous situation?

6 with the dangerous situation, yes.

7 li.11 riqht. So I guess is it fair to say that

8 1: the Davidsons couldn't adequately warn about Bubba,

9 that they shoulti have put nim up?

10 Yc::s . 2e should have been put up.

'11 All riqht. Now, was there beer being consumed

12 that day?

A. Yes .

14 Q.

15 beer that day?

16 I couldn't say about that.

17 Q .. All right. And is the band still together

18 ing?

19 l'i. Occasior1a~l We don't play all the L

20 anyrncre .

21 Q. .?. . ll riqt:"C.. Ar:cJ ·io you -- you say you. go o'\rer

ll there, did you say two or three times a week?

23 T have been. Here lately I have not been.

24 Okay. Mr. Davidson said that there was a

25 group, I think he said jus~ about every day that comes

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1 would have happened?

2 A. Yes.

3 Q. Okay. But d ,, ycu. recall

~,

4 any anybody raising any concern or the issue of

5 putting the dog up that icular evenir«;;?

6 P.•• No. I don't -- I don't recall them saying put

7 the aog up.

8 Q. And you observed nothing that you felt like

9 wo~La have put anyone on notice that, vPS better put

10 trie dog u"p becau.se tiers ac~ti:-1g c;_ certair1 way 1:or1ic;b.t?

11 A .. No.

12 Q. Okay. P.. .nd. t.:..he dog's been 01Jt there a ' ""'-'t- C)f

13 times when you've been over there since this happened,

14 righ.t?

15 Yes.

16 And you've never asked them to put the dog up

17 when you've been aver there, nave you?

18 1\

r--:.. ... No.

19 Okay. You haven't been concerned that he's

20 going to bite you agaLn or c

21 No.

22 Q. ()}<a y. I mean, he could, right?

23 1:1... -·Y-ea:r1 . He could, but --

24 Q. Okay~ J.r1 <::>t.h.er wc-Jrds, that's like v.rha t yc·u

25 said earlier about ~ ~he dog's aangerous.

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Page 61

1 bit you, obviously he bi~ at you, he mignc bite somebody

2 else, right?

3 Yes .

4 Q. Okay. But you're still around the dog fairly

5 frequently and nave no real concerns about

6 or biting you?

7 No. When Diana and Jerry leave to go -- or i t

8 they're going to go out of town, they call me, and I go

9 over there and let the dogs out and all that stuff, so

10 it's ....

11 Okay.

12 A. I have no concern about him bi~ me.

13 So the am I correct that the only real thing

14 that sort of changed since ~s. Bowman has been bitten is

15 that now when new neoole er guests come over,

16 they put the dog up?

'17 Yes.

18 Q. Because o.f \tJ!:at. I10W 'n.a.s happened?

19 A. Yes.

20 MR. BROWN: Okay. All right. Okay.

21 Thank you I pass the witness.

22 (Examination concluded at 5:40 p.m.l

23

24 BY MR. SANDERS:

25 You sa\l thac. on ·partict:lar n. t there v.:as

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Page 64

l CAUSE NO. 13-0618

2 NAt-JCY ELIZABETl-I BC)ltJ.MAJ~J I IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF

Plaintiff,

3

\IS" HARRISON COUNT~, TEXAS

4

JEP.RY DAVIDSON AND

Defendants. 71ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

6

7

DEPOSITION OF BILLY STRONG

8 l'JCiV.EMBF~IZ 18, 2012

9 i, TERRI L~NN SMITH, Certified Shorthand

10 Reporter in and for the State of Texas, he cert.ify

11 to the following:

12 That the witness, BILLY STRONG, was duly sworn

Ll by the officer and that the transcript of the oral

14 deposition is a true record of the testimony

15 the 1ntness;

16 That exa1nj. :-i.a ti OTi an.d sigr.ature the

- '. ' . '

17 to depos1~1on ~ranscrip~ was waived by the witness

IB and agreeme~t of t~e parties at the time of the

~ deposition;

20 That the original deposition was delivered to

21 Mr. Alan E. Brown;

22 That the amount of time used by each party a~

n the deposition is as follows:

24 Mr. Jack Sanders, 00 hours, 20 minutes

25 Mr. Alan E. Brown - 00 hours, 45 minutes

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1 the deposition officer's

2 charges to the Defendant for preparing the original

3 deposition transcr ana' any

4

5 deposition officer at the time said testimony was taken,

6 tne following includes all pan:.ies of record:

7 Mr. Jack Sanders, Jr., Attorney for Plaintiff,

f~ancy Eli zabetl1 BovJman.;

8

Mr. Alan E. Brown, Attorney for Defendants,

9 Jerry Davidson and Diana Davidson.

10 That a copy of this certificate was served on

/ I

11 all parties shown herein on ll/Ztr/b4 anci filed with t.he

12 Clerk pursuant to Rule 203.3.

13 I further certify that i am neither counsel

14 for, related to, nor any of the parties or

15 attorneys in the action in which this proceeding was

16 taken, and further that I a~ noc financial or

U otherwise interested in the outcome of the action.

18 Certifieci cJn the 25th day

19 2013 .

20

21

22 Excira-:.ior1 [)a~.e:

Deposition Resocrces, Inc.

23 ?ir1n ist:::-.-ation. l\o . : 409

515 North Church Street

24 Palestine, Texas 75801

'fe lept.one: (903; 729-3289

25 Fac.:s ile: (903) 727-0986

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1

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D. - 3/26/2014

1 NO. 13-0618

2 NANCY ELIZABETH BOWMAN § IN THE DISTRICT COURT

Plaintiff, §

3 §

v. § 71ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

4 §

JERRY DAVIDSON and §

5 DIANA DAVIDSON §

Defendants. § OF HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

6

7

8

9

10 VIDEOTAPED/ORAL DEPOSITION OF

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D.

11 MARCH 26, 2014

12

13

14

15 VIDEOTAPED/ORAL DEPOSITION OF KENNETH W. SANDERS,

16 M.D., produced as a witness at the instance of the

17 Plaintiff, and duly sworn, was taken in the

18 above-styled ~nd -numbered cause on the 26th day of

19 March, 2014, from 3:10 p.m. until 3:54 p.m., before

20 Amanda J. Leigh, certified Shorthand Reporter in and

21 for the State of Texas, reported by machine shorthand,

22 at Knight and sanders, 1811 East Bert Kouns Industrial

23 Loop, conference Room, Shreveport, Louisiana 71105,

24 pursuant to the Texas Rules of civil Procedure and the

25 agreement(s) hereinafter set forth, if a

LEIGH & ASSOCIATES COURT REPORTING AND VIDEO

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2

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D. - 3/26/2014

1 A P P E A R A N C E S

2

FOR THE PLAINTIFF:

3

4 Jack sanders, Jr., Esq.

LAW OFFICE OF JACK SANDERS, JR.

5 109 East Houston

Marshall, Texas 75670

6 Telephone: 903-925-7172

7

FOR THE DEFENDANTS:

8

9 Alan E. Brown, Esqe

BOYD & BROWN~ P.C.

10 1215 Pruitt Place

Tyler, Texas 75703

11 Telephone: 903-526-9000

12

13 ALSO PRESENT:

14

Mr. Bobby Bryant, Videographer

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

LEIGH & ASSOCIATES COURT REPORTING AND VIDEO

(877) 790-3376 FAX (877) 790-3377

27

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D. - 3/26/2014

1 feel the tongue.

2 There's no reason she shouldn't be able

3 to feel the tongue--that's a completely different

4 nerve-~but I -- I think she must be thrusting the

S tongue to move the lip out of the way so she doesn't

6 bite it, and she's biting the tongue. That's what I

7 would think.

8 Q. Do you expect her to have any trouble

9 speaking?

10 A. she does wi some -- some sounds, I mean,

11 just almost like a lisp type of a problem. when you

12 can't get the lips to make the correct positioning to

13 make to say the sounds, then you're going to have

14 some some issues with that --

15 Q. And is that --

16 A. and that's -- that's what's going on:

17 she's having a little trouble with the lips actually

18 coming together or staying tight in certain areas when

19 we make certain sounds; and so while she's doing that,

20 then the sounds are going to not sound normal.

21 Q. Is it your opinion, based on reasonable

22 medical probability, all of the problems that you have

23 discussed is a result of this dog attack on June 24,

24 2012?

25 A. Yes.

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28

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D. - 3/26/2014

1 Q. And what is that opinion? I asked you if you

2 had an opinion, and you said yes --

3 A. Oh.

4 Q. -- and tell us ... ?

5 A. The opinion that I -- okay, I'm sorry. Ask

6 me again.

7 Q. Do you have an opinion as to whether all the

8 problems that you 1 ve talked about here are a direct

9 result of the dog bite or dog attack of June 24, 2012?

10 A. Yes. My opinion is that what I see on her

11 now, around the mouth, is related to dog bites.

12 Q. All right, sir.

13 Now, in your report, you talk about the

14 cost of future surgery and scar revision. Is that

15 something that you -- do we need to talk about that~ or

16 are you going to tell her that she doesn't think -- are

17 you telling her probably not going to help, or is that

18 going to be kind of optional with her?

19 A. At this point, probably the only one I would

20 off -- if she really wanted to try, would be the lower

21 lip, the mucosal advancement area; and we could redo

22 that. Basically cut that off and do another mucosal

23 advancement.

24 Q. And describe that surgery.

25 A. we'd pull the lip back; make an incision on

LEIGH & ASSOCIATES COURT REPORTING AND VIDEO

(877) 790-3376 FAX (877) 790-3377

43

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D. - 3/26/2014

1 NO. 13-0618

2 NANCY ELIZABETH BOWMAN § IN THE DISTRICT COURT

Pl ai nt:i ff, §

3 §

v. § 71ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

4 §

JERRY DAVIDSON and §

5 DIANA DAVIDSON §

Defendants. § OF HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

6

REPORTER'S CERTIFICATE TO THE

7 VIDEOTAPED/ORAL DEPOSITION OF KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D.

MARCH 26, 2014

8

9 I, Amanda J. Leigh, certified shorthand Reporter

10 in and for the State of Texas, hereby certify:

11 That the witness~ KENNETH w. SANDERS, M.D., was

12 duly sworn and that the transcript of the deposition is

13 a true record of the testimony given by the witness;

14 That witness waived signature;

15 That $445.00 is the deposition officer's charges

16 to counsel for the Plaintiff, for preparing the

17 original deposition and any copies of exhibits;

18 That pursuant to information given to the

19 deposition officer at the time said testimony was

20 taken, the following includes all parties of record

21 and the amount of time used by each party at the time

22 of the deposition:

23

24

25

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44

KENNETH W. SANDERS, M.D. - 3/26/2014

1 FOR THE PLAINTIFF:

TIME: 00:32

2 Jack Sanders, Jr., Esq.

LAW OFFICE OF JACK SANDERS, JR.

3 109 East Houston

Marshall, Texas 75670

4

FOR THE DEFENDANTS:

5 TIME: 00:11

Alan E. Brown, Esq.

6 BOYD & BROWN, P.C.

1215 Pruitt Place

7 Tyler, Texas 75703

8 I further certify that I am neither counsel for.

9 related to, nor employed by any of the parties in the

10 action in which this proceeding was taken, and further

11 that I am not financially or otherwise interested in

12 the outcome of this action.

13 certified to by me on this 9th day of April,

14 2014.

15

16

i gh, CSR /3791

17 Expiration: 12/31/2014

Firm Registration: 684

18 LEIGH & ASSOCIATES COURT

REPORTING AND VIDEO

19 certified shorthand Reporters

911 west Loop 281, suite 211

20 Longview, Texas 75604

Telephone: {903) 295-2955

21 Facsimile: {214) 279-5900

22

23

24

25

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Page 1

788 N.E.2d 1255

(Cite as: 788 N.E.2d 1255)

[2] Judgment 228 185(2)

Supreme Court of Indiana. 228 Judgment

Alyssa POZNANSKI, a Minor, by her Parent and 228V On Motion or Summary Proceeding

Next Friend, Heather POZNANSKI and Heather 228k182 Motion or Other Application

Poznanski, individually, Appellants (Plaintiffs), 228k185 Evidence in General

v. 228k185(2) k. Presumptions and Bur-

George HORVATH, Appellee (Defendant). den of Proof. Most Cited Cases

On motion for summary judgment, any doubt

No. 71S03–0111–CV–592. as to a fact or an inference to be drawn is resolved

May 30, 2003. in favor of the non-moving party. Trial Procedure

Rule 56(C).

Minor and her mother brought personal injury

action against owner of mixed-breed sheep dog [3] Appeal and Error 30 863

after dog bit minor. The Superior Court, St. Joseph

County, R.W. Chamblee, Jr., J., granted summary 30 Appeal and Error

judgment for owner. Minor and her mother ap- 30XVI Review

pealed. The Court of Appeals reversed and re- 30XVI(A) Scope, Standards, and Extent, in

manded. Transfer was granted. The Supreme Court, General

Rucker, J., held that owner could not be held liable 30k862 Extent of Review Dependent on

given lack of evidence that owner had any know- Nature of Decision Appealed from

ledge that dog exhibited dangerous or vicious 30k863 k. In General. Most Cited

propensities and absence of evidence that breed to Cases

which dog belonged exhibited such propensities. Appellate court must carefully review a de-

cision on a summary judgment motion to ensure

Judgment of superior court affirmed in part and that a party was not improperly denied its day in

cause remanded. court. Trial Procedure Rule 56(C).

Opinion, 749 N.E.2d 1283, vacated in part. [4] Animals 28 66.5(2)

West Headnotes 28 Animals

28k66 Injuries to Persons

[1] Judgment 228 181(2)

28k66.5 Dogs

228 Judgment 28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and

228V On Motion or Summary Proceeding Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

228k181 Grounds for Summary Judgment (Formerly 28k68)

228k181(2) k. Absence of Issue of Fact. Act of unprovoked biting by a dog does not ne-

Most Cited Cases cessarily mean the dog is dangerous or vicious.

A genuine issue of material fact exists in sum-

[5] Animals 28 74(3)

mary judgment context where facts concerning an

issue that would dispose of the litigation are in dis- 28 Animals

pute or where the facts are capable of supporting 28k66 Injuries to Persons

conflicting inferences. Trial Procedure Rule 56(C). 28k74 Actions

28k74(3) k. Presumptions and Burden of

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

Page 2

788 N.E.2d 1255

(Cite as: 788 N.E.2d 1255)

Proof. Most Cited Cases 28 Animals

Under common law, all dogs, regardless of 28k66 Injuries to Persons

breed or size, are presumed to be harmless domestic 28k66.1 k. Duties and Liabilities in General.

animals. Most Cited Cases

(Formerly 28k69)

[6] Animals 28 74(3) When wild animals are kept as pets, an owner

is liable for injuries caused by the animal, even if

28 Animals

the owner had no prior knowledge of the animal's

28k66 Injuries to Persons

propensity to cause harm, and even if the owner has

28k74 Actions

exercised the utmost care in preventing harm.

28k74(3) k. Presumptions and Burden of

Proof. Most Cited Cases [10] Animals 28 66.1

Presumption that dog is harmless domestic an-

imal is overcome by evidence of a known or dan- 28 Animals

gerous propensity as shown by specific acts of the 28k66 Injuries to Persons

particular animal, with “dangerous propensity” be- 28k66.1 k. Duties and Liabilities in General.

ing a tendency of the animal to do any act that Most Cited Cases

might endanger the safety of persons or property in (Formerly 28k69)

a given situation. In essence, strict liability is imposed on owners

of wild animals for injuries caused by those anim-

[7] Animals 28 66.5(2) als.

28 Animals [11] Animals 28 66.2

28k66 Injuries to Persons

28k66.5 Dogs 28 Animals

28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and 28k66 Injuries to Persons

Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases 28k66.2 k. Vicious Propensities and Know-

(Formerly 28k68) ledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

Jury could reasonably conclude in negligence (Formerly 28k70)

action against dog owner that dog at least exhibited Owners of domestic animals may be held liable

dangerous, if not vicious tendencies, in biting vic- for harm caused by their pet, but only if the owner

tim who received hospital and medical attention in- knows or has reason to know that the animal has

cluding several stitches to her face. dangerous propensities.

[8] Animals 28 74(3) [12] Animals 28 66.5(2)

28 Animals 28 Animals

28k66 Injuries to Persons 28k66 Injuries to Persons

28k74 Actions 28k66.5 Dogs

28k74(3) k. Presumptions and Burden of 28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and

Proof. Most Cited Cases Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

Jury may not reasonably infer, from a dog's ex- (Formerly 28k70)

hibition of dangerous or vicious tendencies for the Unlike with wild animals, when the owner of a

first time, that the dog's owner knew or should have dog has knowledge of its dangerous propensities,

known of those tendencies. rules of liability are based upon negligence and not

strict liability.

[9] Animals 28 66.1

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

Page 3

788 N.E.2d 1255

(Cite as: 788 N.E.2d 1255)

[13] Animals 28 66.5(4) sheep dog knew that dog was dangerous or vicious,

and thus owner could not be held liable in negli-

28 Animals gence action for first-time bite by dog, where there

28k66 Injuries to Persons was no evidence presented that owner had any

28k66.5 Dogs knowledge that dog exhibited dangerous or vicious

28k66.5(4) k. Contributory and Comparat- propensities and no evidence that breed to which

ive Negligence. Most Cited Cases dog belonged exhibited dangerous or vicious

(Formerly 28k71) propensities.

Animals 28 66.5(6) *1257 Daniel H. Pfeifer,Jon A. Criss, Sweeney,

Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, South Bend, IN, Attor-

28 Animals

neys for Appellants.

28k66 Injuries to Persons

28k66.5 Dogs Lynn M. Butcher, Don G. Blackmond, South Bend,

28k66.5(6) k. Assumption of Risk. Most IN, Attorneys for Appellee.

Cited Cases

(Formerly 28k71)

Because action against owner to recover for in- CIVIL TRANSFER

juries inflicted by dog is one sounding in negli- RUCKER, Justice.

gence, the defenses of contributory negligence and The question we address in this opinion is

assumption of risk are available to limit liability. whether the very act of an unprovoked biting by a

dog that in the past displayed no vicious tendencies

[14] Animals 28 66.5(2) is sufficient by itself for a jury to infer that the an-

imal's owner knew, or should have known, of the

28 Animals dog's vicious tendencies. We grant transfer to hold

28k66 Injuries to Persons that it is not.

28k66.5 Dogs

28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and Facts and Procedural History

Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases In this summary judgment action the following

(Formerly 28k70) facts are not in dispute. George Horvath lives in

Where there is no evidence of an owner's actual South Bend and owned a mixed-breed sheepdog

knowledge that his or her dog has dangerous named Hey. The dog had never bitten anyone and

propensities, the owner may nonetheless be held li- was well behaved. No one had ever complained

able provided there is evidence that the particular about Hey, and he did not usually wander out of

breed to which the dog belongs has dangerous Horvath's yard. On July 23, 1997, Horvath allowed

propensities, even where the owner's dog has never Hey to remain outside unattended. The dog was

before attacked or bitten anyone. neither on a leash nor confined by a fence. When

Alyssa Poznanski and her mother walked by Hor-

[15] Animals 28 66.5(2) vath's home, Hey bit Alyssa without provocation.

As a result Alyssa suffered a cut to her face requir-

28 Animals

ing stitches. Among other things, a South Bend city

28k66 Injuries to Persons

ordinance provides in pertinent part “[e]very owner

28k66.5 Dogs

and/or his agent of an animal within the City shall

28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and

see that his or her animal ... is properly restrained

Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

and not at large.” Appellant's App. at 91. The ordin-

(Formerly 28k70)

ance defines “at large” as “any animal that is not

Jury could not infer that owner of mixed-breed

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

Page 4

788 N.E.2d 1255

(Cite as: 788 N.E.2d 1255)

under restraint.” Id. at 92. solved of liability simply because his dog had never

before bitten anyone. According to the court, “the

In her individual capacity and on behalf of very fact that Hey bit Alyssa without provocation is

Alyssa as next friend, Alyssa's mother (hereafter evidence from which a reasonable inference can be

“the Poznanskis”) sued Horvath for personal injur- made that Hey had vicious tendencies. Further, it

ies and medical expenses. In response, Horvath may be inferred that if the dog had vicious tenden-

filed a motion for summary judgment. Finding there cies based on this one incident, then similar to Lay-

was no genuine issue of material fact as to whether man, a question of fact exists as to whether Horvath

Horvath knew or should have known of any vicious knew or, at the least, should have known of these

tendencies of the dog, the trial court granted the tendencies.” Poznanski v. Horvath, 749 N.E.2d

motion. The Poznanskis appealed. On review, the 1283, 1286 (Ind.Ct.App.2001).

Court of Appeals reversed and remanded, finding

genuine issues of material fact remained regarding In Layman, a father acting in his individual ca-

whether Horvath: (1) knew or should have known pacity and as next friend, sued Larry and Sherrod

of the dog's vicious propensities; (2) used reason- Atwood when their Saint Bernard bit the father's

able care in keeping the dog restrained; and (3) eight-year-old daughter. The Atwoods moved for

could be held liable under the local ordinance re- summary judgment that was supported by affidavit.

quiring proper restraint of animals. *1258 Horvath Among other things, the affidavit provided that the

sought transfer, which this Court previously gran- dog had always been an affectionate companion to

ted. Poznanski v. Horvath, 761 N.E.2d 423 the Atwood children and that prior to this incident

(Ind.2001). had never bitten or harmed anyone in any way. Lay-

man, 370 N.E.2d at 934. The trial court granted the

Standard of Review motion. On review the Court of Appeals reversed.

[1][2][3] Our standard of review is the same as Noting that the dog-biting incident was unpro-

that used in the trial court: summary judgment is voked, the court held:

appropriate only where the evidence shows that

there is no genuine issue of material fact and the A jury could reasonably infer that the very act of

moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of unprovoked biting by the Atwoods' dog was evid-

law. Ind. Trial Rule 56(C); Tom–Wat, Inc. v. Fink, ence of that animal's vicious tendencies. If an an-

741 N.E.2d 343, 346 (Ind.2001). A genuine issue of imal does, indeed, have vicious tendencies a jury

material fact exists where facts concerning an issue could reasonably infer that the animal's owner

that would dispose of the litigation are in dispute or knew or, at least, should have known of those vi-

where the facts are capable of supporting conflict- cious tendencies.

ing inferences. Woodward Ins., Inc. v. White, 437

N.E.2d 59, 62 (Ind.1982). Any doubt as to a fact or Id. at 935.

an inference to be drawn is resolved in favor of the

[4][5][6][7] We first observe that the “very act

non-moving party. Bader v. Johnson, 732 N.E.2d

of unprovoked biting” by a dog does not necessar-

1212, 1216 (Ind.2000). We must carefully review a

ily mean the dog is dangerous or vicious. Under our

decision on a summary judgment motion to ensure

common law, all dogs, regardless of breed or size,

that a party was not improperly denied its day in

are presumed to be harmless domestic animals.

court. Tom–Wat, 741 N.E.2d at 346.

Ross v. Lowe, 619 N.E.2d 911, 914 (Ind.1993). This

Discussion presumption is overcome by evidence of a known

Relying on Layman v. Atwood, 175 Ind.App. or dangerous propensity as shown by specific acts

176, 370 N.E.2d 933 (1977), the Court of Appeals of the particular animal. Id. A dangerous propensity

in this case concluded that Horvath could not be ab- is a tendency of the animal to do any act that might

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Page 5

788 N.E.2d 1255

(Cite as: 788 N.E.2d 1255)

endanger the safety of persons or property in a giv- complained of to commit such injuries.”); see also

en situation. Id. Thus, depending on the facts of a Artificial Ice & Cold Storage Co. v. Martin, 102

particular case, a dog's unprovoked biting may or Ind.App. 74, 198 N.E. 446, 448 (1935). As with

may not be evidence of the dog's vicious tenden- wild animals this liability also attaches regardless

cies. For example, although technically a “biting,” a of the amount of care exercised by the owner.

playful nibble on the hand is one thing, while a However, unlike with wild animals, when the own-

“teeth-baring” clamp on the arm is quite another. In er of a dog has knowledge of its dangerous

any event, in this *1259 case the record shows that propensities, “[the] rules of liability are based upon

Hey either “bit” or “nipped” Alyssa in the face. Ap- negligence and not strict liability.” Alfano v. Stuts-

pellant's App. at 59. Regardless of the characteriza- man, 471 N.E.2d 1143, 1144 (Ind.Ct.App.1984)

tion, the incident resulted in Alyssa receiving hos- (quoting Doe v. Barnett, 145 Ind.App. 542, 251

pital and medical attention including several N.E.2d 688, 694 (1969)). Because it is an action

stitches to her face. Under these circumstances a sounding in negligence, the defenses of contribut-

jury could reasonably conclude that Hey at least ex- ory negligence and assumption of risk are available

hibited dangerous, if not vicious, tendencies. to limit this liability. Borton v. Lavenduskey, 486

N.E.2d 639, 642 (Ind.Ct.App.1985), trans. denied.

[8] The question remains whether in light of a

dog exhibiting dangerous or vicious tendencies for In certain instances, a cause of action in negli-

the first time, may a jury reasonably infer that the gence can survive without the owner's actual know-

dog's owner knew, or at least should have known of ledge of the animal's dangerous propensities. In-

those tendencies. If so, then this inference alone is deed, such knowledge may even be constructive.

enough to create a genuine issue of material fact to Doe, 251 N.E.2d at 692. Nonetheless, when an

defeat a dog owner's claim that he or she was un- owner does not know of his animal's dangerous

aware of such tendencies. We conclude however propensities, the rule is not that the jury may infer

that a jury may not make such an inference. or impute such knowledge. Rather, “the rule is that

the owner is bound to know the natural tendencies

[9][10][11][12][13] When wild animals are of the particular class of animals to which [the]

kept as pets, an owner is liable for injuries caused dog belongs.” Ross, 605 N.E.2d at 788 (emphasis

by the animal. Irvine v. Rare Feline Breeding Ctr., added). If the propensities of the class to which the

Inc., 685 N.E.2d 120, 125 (Ind.Ct.App.1997), trans. dog belongs are the kind which one might reason-

denied. This is so even if the owner had no prior ably expect would cause injury, then the owner

knowledge of the animal's propensity to cause must use reasonable care to prevent injuries from

harm, and even if the owner has exercised the ut- occurring. Id.

most care in preventing harm. In essence, strict li-

ability is imposed on owners of wild animals. Id. [14] Thus, where there is no evidence of an

Owners of domestic animals may also be held liable owner's actual knowledge that his or her dog has

for harm caused by their pet but only if the owner dangerous propensities, the owner may nonetheless

knows or has reason to know that the animal has be held liable provided there is evidence that the

dangerous propensities. Klenberg v. Russell, 125 particular breed to which the dog belongs has dan-

Ind. 531, 25 N.E. 596, 597 (1890) ( “[T]he owners gerous propensities. And this is so even where the

of creatures which, as a species, are harmless and owner's dog has never before attacked or bitten

domesticated, and are kept for convenience or use, anyone. See, e.g., *1260Holt v. Myers, 47 Ind.App.

such as dogs ... are not liable for injuries willfully 118, 93 N.E. 1002, 1002–03 (1911) (observing that

committed by them unless he is proved to have had the ferocious nature of a bulldog was sufficient to

notice of the inclination of the particular animals provide the owner with constructive notice of the

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Page 6

788 N.E.2d 1255

(Cite as: 788 N.E.2d 1255)

dog's dangerous propensities). In essence, a jury BOEHM, JJ., concur.

may not infer that an owner knew or should have

known of a dog's dangerous or vicious propensities Ind.,2003.

from the fact of a first time, unprovoked biting. Poznanski ex rel. Poznanski v. Horvath

Rather in such an instance, a jury may infer that the 788 N.E.2d 1255

owner knew or should have known of the dog's

END OF DOCUMENT

dangerous or vicious propensities only where evid-

ence shows that the particular breed to which the

owner's dog belongs is known to exhibit such tend-

encies.

[15] In the case before us, there was no evid-

ence presented that Horvath had any knowledge

that Hey exhibited dangerous or vicious propensit-

ies. The record shows Hey was very well trained,

behaved well, responded when Horvath called to

him or told him to stay. Hey did not wander out of

Horvath's yard or wander around the neighborhood.

The record also shows that Horvath never received

any complaints about Hey's conduct or behavior.

And even though Horvath's home was near an ele-

mentary school, Hey did not get excited or nervous

when he heard children playing, screaming or mak-

ing loud noises. Nor was there any evidence presen-

ted to the trial court that the breed to which Hey be-

longed, a mixed-breed sheep dog, exhibited danger-

ous or vicious propensities. Accordingly, a jury

could not infer that Horvath knew that his dog was

dangerous or vicious.

On the question of whether there is any genu-

ine issue of material fact that Horvath knew or

should have known of Hey's vicious tendencies, we

affirm the judgment of the trial court. The Court of

Appeals' opinion on this point is thus vacated. We

summarily affirm the Court of Appeals' resolution

of the Poznanskis' claim that Horvath could be held

liable under the local ordinance requiring proper re-

straint of animals.

Conclusion

We affirm the judgment of the trial court in

part. This cause is remanded for further proceed-

ings consistent with this opinion.

SHEPARD, C.J., and DICKSON, SULLIVAN and

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

606 A.2d 489 Page 1

414 Pa.Super. 45, 606 A.2d 489

(Cite as: 414 Pa.Super. 45, 606 A.2d 489)

28k66 Injuries to Persons

28k66.2 k. Vicious Propensities and Know-

Superior Court of Pennsylvania. ledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

Cathy A. DEARDORFF, Natural Mother and (Formerly 28k70)

Guardian of Jessica Deardorff, and Cathy A. Dear- Mere awareness and ownership of vicious an-

dorff, Individually, Appellants, imal does not per se expose one to liability for in-

v. juries inflicted absent failure on part of owner to

Carol BURGER, Appellee. take proper precautions to preclude that viciousness

from exhibiting itself.

Argued Jan. 15, 1992.

Filed April 3, 1992. [3] Animals 28 66.5(2)

Dog bite victim and mother brought action 28 Animals

against owner. The Court of Common Pleas, 28k66 Injuries to Persons

Dauphin County, Civil Division, No. 2060 S of 28k66.5 Dogs

1988, Schaffner, J., entered judgment on jury ver- 28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and

dict in favor of owner. Plaintiffs appealed. The Su- Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

perior Court, No. 00442 Harrisburg 1991, Popovich (Formerly 28k70)

, J., held that: (1) theory of absolute liability was Single bite on prior occasion was insufficient

inapplicable; (2) single bite on prior occasion was to put owner on notice of dog's allegedly vicious

insufficient to put owner on notice of dog's al- propensity; there was lack of evidence concerning

legedly vicious propensity; and (3) alleged negli- circumstances surrounding the prior bite.

gence of one owner could not be imputed to alleged

co-owner. [4] Animals 28 66.5(7)

Affirmed. 28 Animals

28k66 Injuries to Persons

West Headnotes 28k66.5 Dogs

28k66.5(7) k. Persons Liable for Injuries

[1] Animals 28 66.5(2)

in General. Most Cited Cases

28 Animals (Formerly 28k72)

28k66 Injuries to Persons Alleged negligence of one owner of dog could

28k66.5 Dogs not be imputed to alleged co-owner in action to re-

28k66.5(2) k. Vicious Propensities and cover for dog bite.

Knowledge Thereof. Most Cited Cases

**490 *46 Theresa L. Shade Wix, Harrisburg, for

(Formerly 28k70)

appellants.

Theory of absolute liability was inapplicable to

action to recover for dog bite, even if owner had Kerry V. Smith, Harrisburg, for appellee.

knowledge of dog's previous biting of another per-

son.

Before McEWEN, POPOVICH and JOHNSON, JJ.

[2] Animals 28 66.2

28 Animals POPOVICH, Judge:

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.

606 A.2d 489 Page 2

414 Pa.Super. 45, 606 A.2d 489

(Cite as: 414 Pa.Super. 45, 606 A.2d 489)

In this appeal, we re-examine the law concern- when something's happening to him that he does

ing the liability of dog owners for the actions of not like. But [Shane] did not see [the dog], you

their pets. We are asked to review the June 26, know-there was no lunging at the child or any-

1991, order of the Court of Common Pleas of thing like that. The dog veered back. She fell

Dauphin County denying a motion for a new trial down, and we grabbed the kid and, you know,

filed by the plaintiff/appellant, Cathy A. Deardorff, went because then we realized ... she's bleed-

natural mother and guardian of Jessica Deardorff, ing.... And it just happened like that, (indicating)

FN1

individually. We affirm. that fast. [N.T. 54]

FN1. The June 26, 1991, order was re- Jessica was taken to the hospital, sedated and

duced to judgment on July 11, 1991, and, received stitches “all over the face ... under the eye,

thus, is appealable. Pa.R.App.P. 301(c). over her eye [and] by her lip[.]” The child was re-

leased the same day. Within a month, the stitches

In reviewing the denial of a motion for a new were removed, and a scar remained above and be-

trial, this Court will reverse only when the lower low the child's left eye.

court has clearly and palpably abused its discretion

or committed an error of law which controlled the On June 13, 1988, a writ of summons was filed

outcome of the case. Lilley v. Johns-Manville against Carol Burger, Shane's mother and the owner

Corp., 408 Pa.Super. 83, 596 A.2d 203 (1991).

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