Samantha Reece has filed a lawsuit against Jacob T. McDonald, alleging negligence and strict liability following a severe dog attack that left her with significant injuries. The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 21, 2025. Reece is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from McDonald.
The case stems from an incident on March 1, 2025, when Samantha Reece was lawfully present at Jacob T. McDonald’s property located at 6336 — 17th Terrace North, St. Petersburg, FL. During her visit, she was attacked by a dog owned and controlled by McDonald. According to the complaint, Reece did not provoke the animal or contribute to the circumstances leading to her injuries. She sustained serious bodily harm and incurred medical expenses as a result of the attack.
Reece’s legal team argues that McDonald is strictly liable under Florida Statute Sections 767.01 and 767.04 for damages caused by his dog due to his failure to control or restrain it adequately. The plaintiff claims that McDonald’s negligence in managing his property and warning guests about the dog’s presence contributed directly to her injuries. “Defendant failed to take reasonable precautions to guard or protect others from the viciousness and danger of his dog,” states the complaint.
The lawsuit further accuses McDonald of breaching his duty of care towards Reece as an invited guest on his premises by allowing a dangerous condition—his unsecured dog—to exist without adequate warning or corrective measures. As a result of this breach, Reece suffered physical pain, mental anguish, permanent injury, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In seeking justice through this legal action, Samantha Reece demands judgment against Jacob T. McDonald for damages exceeding $50,000 and requests a jury trial for all issues triable by right before a jury.
Representing Samantha Reece is attorney Westley Lockwood from Morgan & Morgan P.A., based in Tampa, Florida. The case is identified under Case Number: 25-006623-CI and will be presided over by judges assigned within the Circuit Court of Pinellas County.
Source: 25006623CI_Samantha_Reece_v_Jacob_macdonald_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
