Texas College Student ‘Catastrophically Disfigured’ After Two Dogs Attacked Her

According to a civil lawsuit, a Texas college student was “permanently and catastrophically disfigured” after being attacked by the two dogs she was hired to walk. 

Jacqueline Claire Durand, 22, was scheduled to walk Lucy, a German shepherd mix-breed, and Bender, a pit bull mix-breed, on December 23. But when she opened the door to the home, the dogs were not kenneled, and they violently attacked her. 

“The Dogs knocked Jacqueline off balance, causing her to fall and drop her cell phone. Then, the Dogs violently attacked her head and face — mauling her catastrophically,” according to the suit. “The Dogs were so violent and bloodthirsty that they pulled all of Jacqueline’s clothes off, including her blue jeans.”

The dogs ripped off and ate her ears, along with most of her face below her eyes. In addition, Durand suffered puncture wounds over most of her body. Since the attack, she’s undergone multiple operations. 

The lawsuit contends that the dog’s owners, Ashley Jo Bishop and Dr. Justin Avery Bishop, were aware their dogs had violent tendencies. A gate outside the home has a sign that reads “Crazy Dogs. Please Don’t Knock or Ring the Bell. Call or Text Instead.” A photo of the sign was included in the filing. 

The day of the incident was the first time Durand was scheduled to walk to the dogs. She had previously met with the Bishops and the dogs.

Durand worked as a dog sitter and walker while attending the University of Texas at Dallas.

The lawsuit alleges the Bishops were negligent in leaving the dog kenneled. Durand is seeking a jury trial and is asking for more than $1 million in compensation. An attorney for Durand, Chip Brooker, says he’s “amazed by her strength,” and she’s taking it “day-by-day.”

Both of the dogs were taken and placed in the care of the city of Coppell. NBC Dallas-Forth Worth reports that a municipal judge has ruled that the dogs should be euthanized.