A Pinellas County family whose son was bitten by a dog while attending a Countryside High School baseball game in 2025 says the school district should pay for his injuries.
Parent Leah Minor of Pinellas Park has filed a lawsuit against the district and the dog owner, who, according to the suit, is unknown, saying more precautions should have been taken to prevent the dog from lunging at her son and biting him in the face.
The family is seeking damages exceeding $50,000.
The owner is liable under Florida law, which states owners are responsible for “any damage done by the owner’s dog to a person,” attorney Amanda Glenz wrote in a complaint filed Friday in Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court.
The district, meanwhile, had a duty to maintain safe premises, including “to restrain such animal and prevent such animal from harming the general public,” the complaint asserts.
Glenz did not return calls seeking comment.
In the complaint, Glenz wrote that Minor’s son was attending a baseball game on March 20, 2025, at the Countryside campus.
The dog owner was allowed to attend the game with the dog, which is alleged to have not been properly restrained or supervised, according to the lawsuit. The dog lunged at the boy and bit him, causing permanent injuries and scarring, the suit states.
A spokesperson for the district said the district does not comment on pending litigation.
District policy relating to animals on school board property states that the presence of live animals shall be reviewed and approved by the principal. If approved, the person or organization who brings the animal must comply with several rules, including not bringing an animal that exhibits any tendency toward biting, nipping or aggressive behavior.
The district also has published rules and expectations for athletics spectators. They prohibit weapons, backpacks and bags, drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, and outside food and drinks.
They do not mention animals.
The district’s athletic policy and guidebook includes one mention of animals, in reference to band performances. It states no animals are allowed on the playing field, except for a team mascot, which must be attended.