Fox Business anchor Jackie DeAngelis says she was left permanently disfigured after being mauled by a dog inside a Whole Foods in Manhattan, and she is now suing the grocery chain over the attack.
DeAngelis, 46, a co-host of “The Big Money Show,” claims the terrifying incident happened in September 2023 at the Whole Foods location at 10 Columbus Circle in New York City.
According to a lawsuit filed Aug. 20 in Manhattan Supreme Court, a black pit bull allegedly attacked DeAngelis inside the store and bit her left hand.
The dog’s owner then allegedly fled the scene with the animal before police arrived.
DeAngelis, a breast cancer survivor who is also an attorney and Wall Street analyst, says the attack left her with serious and lasting injuries.
The lawsuit claims she was “permanently disfigured,” has limited mobility and can no longer perform certain tasks the way she once could.
She also reportedly underwent surgery on her hand following the attack.
DeAngelis argues the dog should never have been allowed inside the supermarket because it was not a service animal.
Whole Foods states on its website that pets are not allowed inside its stores, though service animals are permitted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The lawsuit accuses Whole Foods of failing to properly enforce its own rules regarding animals inside the store.
“[Whole Foods] failed to reasonably enforce its own policies, practices and/or procedures concerning animals entering and remaining within the subject store,” the complaint states.
DeAngelis is seeking damages over her medical expenses, injuries and emotional distress.
Despite the ordeal, DeAngelis has not lost her love for dogs.
She owns a Cavachon named Friday and has shared affectionate posts about the pup on social media.
In one National Pet Day post, DeAngelis said Friday had become an important source of comfort and support in her life.
“She has been a constant, loyal companion and has helped me overcome numerous challenges,” DeAngelis wrote.
She added that while people often tell her Friday is lucky to have her, she feels the opposite.
“I’m lucky to have her,” she wrote.
Whole Foods, DeAngelis and the New York Police Department were contacted for comment.