Zoo Director's Dog Bites Woman

Long time director of the Chattanooga Zoo, Darde Long, was brought to court because her dog bit a worker at the zoo.

Kayla Allen says she was working as a cleaning lady there when she said Long's Great Dane Nubsy, attacked her leg.

"Miss Long cares more about animals than she does about children and people."

But Long has a different account. She says the dog was in a separate room to avoid the clean up crew.

"She was told the dog was in the room and she opened the door anyway. He did not lunge at her, he did not growl, he did not viciously attack her. It was pretty much a nip and it was done."

But Allen says otherwise.

"There have been customers that were bit and numerous times that people have told her the dog is dangerous."

That incident was brought to court and it followed with a sentence for Nubsy. 18 months probation and a must wear tag to show he is potentially dangerous. And, no more trips to the zoo. Something that's been a long time tradition for Long and her dog. Long says the sentence is fair, but wonders if the incident means something else.

"It seems like it's turned into a little bit more than a trial against a dog and a little more about me."

But Allen says it's all about the dog bite. She showed Newschannel9 her scars and stitches on her left leg.

"He has ruined my leg! I have a gigantic bite."

Which is why she says she's satisfied with Nubsy's citations.

"It sickens me the way Miss Long has acted.  Maybe it's because she has no children."

But Long, is still left asking why.

"I feel like greed is very much a motivation and perhaps a personal vendetta."

Allen says she has filed a civil lawsuit against Long. She claims her doctor says there could be permanent damage to her leg.