Jackie DeAngelis, a co-host of "The Big Money Show" on Fox Business, has filed a lawsuit against Whole Foods, alleging she suffered permanent injuries from a dog attack inside one of its Manhattan stores. The incident, which DeAngelis claims occurred in September 2023 at the Columbus Circle location, has led her to seek compensation for medical costs, surgical expenses, and emotional distress. The lawsuit was formally filed on August 20 in Manhattan Supreme Court.
"[Whole Foods] failed to reasonably enforce its own policies, practices and/or procedures concerning animals entering and remaining within the subject store." Legal Filing, Jackie DeAngelis Lawsuit
According to court documents, DeAngelis was browsing the aisles when a black pit bull allegedly bit her left hand. The severity of the injury necessitated surgery, and her attorneys assert that she now lives with visible scarring and a diminished capacity to use her hand. Legal filings describe the harm as persistent, interfering with her daily functions. Law enforcement officials, upon arriving at the scene, found neither the dog nor its owner present, as previously reported to the New York Post.
At the core of DeAngelis’s legal challenge is the contention that Whole Foods failed to uphold its own safety protocols. The grocery chain typically prohibits pets from entering its stores, with the sole exception being certified service animals, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit specifically alleges that the pit bull involved in the attack was not a service animal and therefore should not have been permitted inside the premises. The complaint directly states, "[Whole Foods] failed to reasonably enforce its own policies, practices and/or procedures concerning animals entering and remaining within the subject store." It further asserts that the company "neglected to exercise reasonable care in controlling and regulating the presence of unauthorized animals within its premises."
The financial damages sought by DeAngelis have not been specified in monetary terms, but her legal team is pursuing compensation for her medical bills, surgical procedures, and the emotional impact resulting from the incident. The case now moves forward within the New York court system, where Whole Foods will have the opportunity to formally respond to the allegations and present its defense.
This incident also brings renewed attention to the broader societal debate surrounding certain dog breeds, particularly pit bulls. For years, discussions have persisted regarding whether pit bulls pose a disproportionate risk compared to other dog breeds. Statistics compiled by DogsBite.org indicate that pit bulls were associated with approximately 66% of dog bite-related fatalities nationwide between 2005 and 2024. The exact number of pit bulls in the United States is difficult to ascertain, with estimates of their share of the total dog population ranging from 6% to 20%.
Furthermore, medical researchers who have studied trauma center data have observed a pattern where injuries resulting from pit bull attacks tend to be more severe than those inflicted by other breeds. This trend has prompted legislative action in various countries. Over 20 nations, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Norway, have implemented bans or stringent restrictions on pit bull ownership, often permitting the breed only in rare and narrowly defined circumstances. The outcome of DeAngelis’s lawsuit may contribute to ongoing discussions about commercial establishment responsibilities regarding animal policies and public safety.
