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Dead Dog's Owner Sued Over 2007 Attack

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By TODD RUGER

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

SARASOTA COUNTY - A Verizon technician has filed a lawsuit against the former owner of Zeus, a 90-pound German shepherd who attacked him during a March 2007 service call at a house in Nokomis.

The attack garnered attention from dog lovers across the region who fought a judge's order to put Zeus to sleep rather than send the dog home to its owner, a disabled veteran fighting cancer who said the dog helped keep his spirits up.

Zeus since has been put down for further aggressive behavior. The veteran, Gilbert Otero, died of cancer in 2007.

But William Flick said the attack has left him with ongoing medical expenses and a decreased ability to work.

The lawsuit states that Otero's wife, Ana, is liable for the damage her dog caused because she did not control or restrain Zeus.

It also states that Ana Otero was negligent for "owning a dog that had been abused," that "she was unable to control" and "for not properly training Zeus."

Flick, 25, was treated for multiple bites at Venice Regional Medical Center after the attack, which happened in the Oteros' front yard.

The attack was swift, a bite to the Verizon technician's crotch, then knee, back, chest, elbow and ankle.

The debate over what to do with Zeus dragged on.

Flick did not speak publicly about the attack, only saying he did not ask for the dog to be destroyed. A judge eventually reversed the order to kill Zeus, opting to put him on the dangerous dog list and send him back to the Oteros.

Ana Otero, who called Zeus "her baby" and promised him home cooking after his stay in the Sarasota County animal control shelter, could not be reached for comment on the lawsuit.

She gave the dog up for adoption. His new owners determined he was too aggressive to be around people and had him euthanized in a Tennessee veterinary clinic on March 3.

Flick and his attorney declined to comment.

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