Recently, a Davie, Florida veterinarian lost a client's dog when the animal was taken for a walk by a dog walker. A Boca Raton, Florida woman left three of her dogs with the veterinarian and one got away. The sad thing is that the vet failed to call his client and notify her of the incident. Instead, he thought that he would be able to locate the dog before she returned. More than three months later, the dog has not been found.
The story was covered in the Sun Sentinel. Please click on the following link to read the entire story entitled, "Where, oh where, is Pixie?" Howard Citron was asked to comment on this incident because the woman was curious to know what damages she was able to collect from the veterinarian as a result of the alleged negligence. Under Florida law, dogs are treated as property and nothing more. Unfortunately, the law is clear that a person is unable to sue for damages other than the replacement cost of the animal. There is no remedy available for pain and suffering and/or emotional distress damages although our pets are considered family members. In this case, the vet offered to compensate the woman the $2,000.00 she paid for the lost dog once she produced a receipt verifying the price.
For a free consultation regarding your dog bite or animal attack case, please contact The Citron Law Firm toll free at 877-550-4LAW.
