Woman sues 'Dog Whisperer' Cesar Millan, claims his training centre released vicious pit bull

In this Oct. 18, 2012 photo, Cesar Millan poses with his English Bull Dog George, left, and an unidentified dog at his Dog Psychology Center, in Santa Clarita, Calif. (Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo)

LOS ANGELES - A woman has sued Cesar Millan, star of TV's "The Dog Whisperer," claiming she was attacked by a vicious pit bull that was released too soon from Millan's animal training centre in California.

The Los Angeles Times reports the complaint filed by Florida resident Alison Bitney says she suffered disfiguring wounds and muscle lacerations. She is seeking punitive damages.

The suit says the attack last September occurred at a home near Los Angeles, just six days after the pit bull had been released by Millan's Dog Psychology Center.

Jen Woodard, the centre's director, says Millan never had contact with the dog.

She says the dog's owner had removed the pit bull "against the strong advice and objection of his trainer."