FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS POST
THIS EXCUSE DID NOT GO WELL IN COURT!
A Good Deed Leads to Tragedy
Imagine opening your home to a lost dog.
Then imagine that dog attacking your beloved cat.
This is the heartbreaking situation that brings Mr. Dawson to Judge Judy's courtroom.
The Plaintiff Seeks Justice for His Cat
Mr. Dawson is the plaintiff.
He is suing Mr. Saltzman, the defendant.
Mr. Dawson wants Mr. Saltzman to pay for vet bills, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
His cat, Roscoe, was attacked and killed by Mr. Saltzman's dog, Mocha.
Mr. Dawson's friend, Mr. Yoon, is also present as a witness.
The Defendant Denies Responsibility
Mr. Saltzman argues he is not responsible for the vet bills.
He acknowledges Mr. Dawson's good intentions.
However, he believes Mr. Dawson assumed the risk by bringing the dog inside.
The Night of the Incident
Judge Judy asks Mr. Saltzman for the date of the incident.
He states it was the early morning hours of January 24th, around 1 a.m.
Mr. Dawson explains he was cleaning up after a party.
His friend, Ronnie, found the dog, Mocha, in their front yard.
Mocha then ran into their house.
Mr. Yoon confirms he looked at the dog's collar.
He found a number on the tag.
The dog did not have a leash.
Mr. Dawson confirms this.
Judge Judy Questions the Plaintiff's Actions
Judge Judy asks Mr. Dawson if he had other animals.
He confirms he had two cats and one dog.
She asks if he had a leash.
He says yes.
Judge Judy suggests he could have leashed Mocha.
He could have kept the dog outside for the owners.
Mr. Dawson states Mocha seemed very domesticated.
He had no concerns.
Mr. Yoon explains he left a voicemail for the owner.
It was 1 a.m., and a strange number.
The Defendant's Explanation for the Dog's Escape
Judge Judy asks Mr. Saltzman if he was home that night.
He confirms he was.
He received the message a few minutes later.
He called back immediately.
They live about two blocks apart.
Mr. Saltzman walked over to Mr. Dawson's house.
He describes the weather as very windy.
He calls them Santa Ana winds.
He says the wind force was like a hurricane.
He claims his back gate was blown off its hinges.
This is how Mocha escaped.
Judge Judy Challenges the "Hurricane" Defense
Judge Judy questions Mr. Saltzman about leaving his dog outside.
She asks why he would do so during "vicious winds."
Mr. Saltzman explains Mocha is an indoor and outdoor dog.
He has an area in the garage.
The garage door is open for him to go outside.
Judge Judy clarifies she is asking about at night.
Mr. Saltzman says there is a door from the garage to the outside.
He states Mocha is brought inside the house whenever they choose.
Mr. Dawson interjects.
He does not recall any strong winds that evening.
He says the weather seemed normal.
Mr. Saltzman presents documentation.
He claims it shows 46 mph winds.
Judge Judy dismisses the weather defense.
She states a pet owner is responsible for their dog at all times.
She says it does not matter if there is a tornado or typhoon.
She emphasizes his responsibility.
She states he should have brought the dog inside.
The Attack Unfolds
Judge Judy returns to Mr. Dawson.
She confirms he brought the dog into his house.
She confirms the dog appeared domesticated.
Mr. Dawson says his sister greeted the dog.
She spent 10 to 15 seconds with Mocha.
Judge Judy notes the dog seemed nice.