An Edwardsville man is suing his neighbors after he was allegedly attacked by their dogs without provocation and had to move to protect his family.
Plaintiff Dylan M. Jerrell filed the lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against defendants Tim Parker, Renee Moore and Julian Moore, citing negligence in violation of the state’s Animal Control Act.
According to the lawsuit, on Aug. 30, 2020, Jerrell was on his property in Edwardsville when two Doberman Pinchers owned by the neighboring defendants suddenly and without warning entered onto his property and terrorized him by growling and snarling at him. He claims the dogs eventually attacking him, causing him to sustain serious injuries. The lawsuit states that under the Illinois Control Act, the owners of the dogs are liable for injuries caused by the animals.
Jerrell claims that following the attack, he repeatedly pleaded with the defendants to relocate or restrain their animals, but they allegedly refused to do so. Jerrell claims he went so far as to offer the defendant’s $1,000 to relocate the animals, but the defendants allegedly refused that offer as well, the suit states. Jerrell alleges the defendants continued to let their “attack dogs,” as referred to by the dogs’ owners, roam the area unleashed and unsupervised, putting the plaintiff, his family, his pets and neighbors at risk.
The plaintiff claims his injuries have caused him to endure pain, suffering and mental anguish and will affect his ability enjoy a normal life. The plaintiff also alleges he has incurred medical expenses. He adds that the incident was so psychologically traumatizing that he bought a firearm to protect himself and ultimately, at great personal cost to himself, was forced to sell his home and relocate to protect himself and his family, the suit states.
Jerrell is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He filed the complaint pro se.
This article was first published in Madison Record.
