|
|
Article: Judge Says No to Miami-Area Lawsuit over Sheepdog's Death.
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
- Article date:
- July 2, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
By Sara Olkon, The Miami Herald Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Jul. 2--A dog can't sue for pain and suffering, a Broward circuit judge ruled Tuesday.
The ruling halted an effort by a mother and son to sue a Sunrise veterinary clinic on behalf of their now-deceased Shetland sheepdog, Lucky.
As it stands, pets are chattel -- mere property -- and lack legal standing. But this challenge, among others across the country, reflects a growing recognition of the value of animals beyond their market worth.
"A jury should hear what Lucky went through," said Barry Silver, a Boca Raton lawyer representing Ellen and Adam Riff, the dog's ...