SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. (WTVF) — A disabled man faces eviction after his companion dog bit a woman who entered his apartment without permission.
Allen Bryant is chairbound and suffers from anxiety. He has an Emotional Support Animal who helps him cope.
Bryant said, "His name is Thor, he's my companion, whenever we're here by myself he gets up here on the bed with me, and if I make any kind of noise like I'm hurting or something, he jumps up there and investigates."
Thor is also a guard dog. He recently bit a friend who entered Bryant's home unexpectedly at the Country Place Apartments.
Bryant said, "She knocked and started to come on in, well he was loose, and he doesn't take too kindly to that. I'm hollering at her, don't open the door, don't open the door, she comes on in anyways, and he gets ahold of her."
The woman was injured, Allen was cited, and Thor was taken by animal control. The dog bite case went to court, and a judge ruled that the dog was provoked because the woman entered the apartment without permission. The case was dropped, and Thor was given back to Allen.
Bryant said, "Well then I get back here and we get that letter from corporate saying you have 24 hours to get rid of the dog, or we've got to move. We're supposed to be out today."
A representative with The Hallmark Companies, Inc. sent us a statement:
"Sherwood Management was not informed by the resident that the emotional support dog was recently involved in multiple attacks, until long after the incidents. Our policy is very clear that 'lessee agrees to remedy any emergency situations, like attacks on staff members, another resident or a guest within 24 hours...'"
Bryant said, "Unless we can find another place, or something cheaper, we're kind of stuck."
Allen pays under $500 a month in rent. So far, he can't find a new apartment he can afford, and giving up Thor would be hard.
Bryant said, "He's like my best friend."
Bryant hopes he can come to a mutual agreement with the apartment complex.
