MS-Neighbors claim NFL linebacker's pit bulls are dangerous

[3MTA3]

Posted: Oct 27, 2009 6:12 PM EDT
Updated: Oct 27, 2009 6:46 PM EDT

By Chip Washington

OXFORD, MS (WMC-TV) - A Mississippi family is suing its neighbors - an NFL linebacker and his wife - claiming their pet pit bulls are dangerous.

The Johnson family has lived at a residence along Highway 328 in Oxford for the past six years. Now, Jennifer Johnson and her husband are concerned pit bull terriers that belong to her neighbor, NFL linebacker Derrick Burgess, could be a danger to her three children.

"More than just us have complained about Mr. Burgess's dogs," Johnson said. "We've tried to deal with it in the most neighborly way possible, but it's not working."

Frustrated, the Johnsons filed complaints about the dogs with the LaFayette County Sheriff's Department. But, there is no leash law in the county, so there was nothing deputies could legally do about their problem. Next, the Johnsons filed a lawsuit in LaFayette County Court, suing Burgess for damages.

The lawsuit claims that Burgess and his wife allow their 10 to 15 dogs to run freely throughout the neighborhood.

"We're hoping that the court system will help us as far as if any problems occur after this, that there will be penalties to it," Johnson said.

The Johnsons' lawsuit also claims that Burgess' dogs have killed several of their pets, including a litter of kittens Jennifer found mutilated in their carport. The lawsuit claims Burgess' dogs also and attacked their Basset hound.

The Johnsons believe the dogs are getting into their yard through an opening in a nearby fence. Jennifer Johnson said her main concern is for her children's safety.

"I'm scared to death they are going to attack our children at some point in time as viciously as they have attacked our animals," she said.

Calls to Burgess and his attorney by Action News 5 were not returned Tuesday.

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Neighbors claim NFL linebacker's pit bulls are dangerous - WMC-TV: News, Weather, Traffic, Radar, and Sports for Memphis, TN; WMCTV.com |

[bohawg00]

Uh fix the fence

[budboy88]

Uh fix the fence

sounds just crazy enough to work

[wisconsingame]

they r Probably sueing just to sue bc there Neighbor has money

[Rampage]

They probably are doing it for money but I hope he keeps better control of his dogs. For the breeds sake.

[Speedpeddler]

I'm with the neighbors on this one. Pit bulls, Labs or Poodles, it's irresponsible for anyone to let their dogs run loose. If the story is true, than sooner or later the NFL linbacker is going to end up in court getting sued for something his dogs did.

How would you like to live next to this guy?

[GoingPostal]

Uh fix the fence

Yep and start shooting the ones that come in your yard. Not really the dogs fault but if they were killing my animals or seem like a threat you can bet they are going to get a bullet if they come on my property.

[Phyzzle]

Ok look at it like this. These people and a few of their friends are the only one in the neighborhood saying these things. But come on 10 to 15 Pitbulls running around lose and not one will pick a fight with another. I dont think it is true. But if it is Their is an example of a bad seed.

[NotaBlueHippo]

Ok look at it like this. These people and a few of their friends are the only one in the neighborhood saying these things. But come on 10 to 15 Pitbulls running around lose and not one will pick a fight with another. I dont think it is true. But if it is Their is an example of a bad seed.

Exactly what i was gonna say. Could of just hit the thank you button

[KBK]

they r Probably sueing just to sue bc there Neighbor has money

Nail on the head there pal

[simms]

Anyone that allows thier APBT's to run together in a pack... well it should be a clear indication of the type of animals they have. No excuses on being irresponsible like that. Money or not. Everyone of those dogs should dissapear.