Woman who witnessed fatal dog attack files lawsuit against KC Pet Project

A memorial for Chris Culbertson, who was killed in a dog mauling in November 2024.
A memorial for Chris Culbertson, who was killed in a dog mauling in November 2024.(KCTV5)
Published: Apr. 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM CDT
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A neighbor who witnessed a fatal dog attack and was attacked herself has filed a lawsuit against KC Pet Project.

Holly Lane lives in the area in the 3200 block of E. 80th Street in Kansas City. In November of last year, Chris Culbertson was fatally attacked by numerous dogs allegedly owned by John Thibeaux II and John Thibeaux I. Both men are charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault in the case.

Lane claims in the lawsuit that when the dogs turned their attention to her, she retrieved a golf club she kept near her front door to protect herself against the same dogs.

READ MORE: Kansas City father and son charged in deadly dog mauling

Lane was bitten on the leg and “suffered severe injuries and also suffered severe emotional and psychological injuries” in the attack.

According to the lawsuit, KC Pet Project “had received multiple complaints from residents living in around (the area) that various Pitbull dogs in the neighborhood had escaped their enclosures.”

KC Pet Project is a non-profit contracted with the city to perform animal control responsibilities.

Lane claims KC Pet Project failed to enforce city ordinances and is therefore responsible for Lane’s injuries.