The Friendship and Living Arrangement
Quintarius Felder, 23, sued his former friend, Kayla Love, also 23.
Mr. Felder sought compensation for an illegal eviction.
He also requested the return of rent and moving expenses.
Mr. Felder had been living with Ms. Love in her house.
He was her roommate.
They had known each other since middle school and high school.
The living arrangement began in July 2018.
Mr. Felder paid $800 per month in rent.
For several years, everything had been fine.
He paid his rent, and they lived together nicely.
The Dog Dispute Begins
Something happened to change their living situation.
Mr. Felder explained his version of events.
On July 12, he was at work.
Ms. Love texted him.
She asked if he was coming home.
She did not want to leave their two dogs alone.
Mr. Felder owned a dog named Jane.
Ms. Love owned a dog named Powder.
Mr. Felder understood her concern about leaving the dogs alone.
He told her to leave his dog, Jane, at the house.
He suggested she take her dog, Powder, to her mother's house.
Ms. Love's mother had two other dogs.
Ms. Love's Decision to Take Both Dogs
Ms. Love decided to take both dogs.
She took Jane and Powder to her mother's house.
Mr. Felder went to Ms. Love's mother's house.
He went with the police.
His goal was to retrieve his dog, Jane.
He was unsuccessful in getting his dog back that day.
The Alleged Illegal Eviction
After the incident with the dogs on July 12, Ms. Love allegedly evicted Mr. Felder.
She changed the locks on the house.
Mr. Felder claimed this was an illegal eviction.
He had already paid his rent for July.
Ms. Love's Claim of a Prior Agreement
Ms. Love stated that they had an agreement.
She claimed they both agreed when she got another dog.
This was so Mr. Felder's dog could have company.
She also claimed they agreed that she would keep both dogs when they moved out.
She said Mr. Felder later changed his mind.
Judge Judy Questions the Agreement
Judge Judy addressed Ms. Love's claim.
She noted that in July, prior to July 12, there was no problem.
She stated it was clear that Mr. Felder had one dog and Ms. Love had the other.
The dogs were playmates and liked each other.
The issue arose specifically on July 12.
Judge Judy dismissed Ms. Love's emotional attachment to the dog.
Ms. Love had stated the dog was like her child.
Court Order for Dog's Return
Mr. Felder had previously taken this case before a judge.
That judge had told Ms. Love to return the dog.
Judge Judy asked Ms. Love directly if a judge told her to give back the dog.
Ms. Love confirmed that he did.
She also indicated she had documentation regarding this.
Ms. Love's Defiance of the Court Order
Judge Judy explained the implications of not returning the dog.
She told Ms. Love that by not returning Mr. Felder's dog, she was acting poorly.
The longer the dog stayed out of his custody, the worse it would be.
Judge Judy predicted that another judge would eventually order the dog's return.
She stated that any judge with common sense would rule it was Mr. Felder's dog.
She emphasized that the dog must be returned.
Impact on the Dog
Judge Judy explained the difficulty this situation created for the dog.
The longer the dog remained with Ms. Love, the more difficult it would be for the dog.
She compared it to a child in foster care.
The longer a child stays with a foster family, the harder it is to reintegrate with their biological family.
She stressed that the faster the dog was returned, the better off it would be.
Ms. Love's Defense Regarding Dog Care
Ms. Love interjected during Judge Judy's explanation.
She claimed she had been taking care of the dog for a year.
She stated she had records and veterinary bills.
Judge Judy did not accept this as a valid reason to keep the dog.
The Eviction Details
Mr. Felder stated that Ms. Love changed the locks.
He confirmed this happened on the apartment.
Ms. Love admitted to changing the locks.
She claimed she did so after Mr. Felder threatened her.
Judge Judy's Ruling
Judge Judy focused on the illegal eviction.
She noted that Mr. Felder had paid $800 in rent for July.
She ruled that Ms. Love owed Mr. Felder for the illegal eviction.
She awarded Mr. Felder $1,600.
This amount likely covered the rent and additional expenses.
Judge Judy's Final Words
Judge Judy reiterated the importance of returning the dog.
She told Ms. Love that someone would eventually make her return the dog.
She advised Ms. Love to stop thinking the universe revolved around her.
She stated there are people smarter, better looking, and more sympathetic.
She emphasized doing the right thing.
She concluded by telling Ms. Love to give back the dog.
The Outcome
Judge Judy ruled for the plaintiff, Quintarius Felder.
Kayla Love was ordered to pay Quintarius Felder $1,600.
Ms. Love attempted to speak about Mr. Felder's moving out plans.
She mentioned he was supposed to leave the next weekend.
Judge Judy dismissed her, stating they were finished.