The problem, she states, is the dog does not like cats.
Mr. Dawson agrees.
He says it would have been nice to know.
Mr. Dawson recounts the attack.
Within 30 seconds of the phone call, Mocha found his cat.
Mocha attacked Roscoe in the computer room.
Mr. Dawson says it was very fast.
He tried to break up the fight.
They chased each other around the dining room.
Roscoe escaped to the bathroom area.
Mr. Dawson secured Mocha by the scruff.
Mocha had Roscoe in his jaws.
Mr. Dawson struck Mocha three times.
Mocha released Roscoe.
Roscoe was very injured.
Mr. Dawson put Mocha in the garage.
He waited for Mr. Saltzman.
He woke his wife to care for the cat.
Judge Judy's Legal Analysis of Responsibility
Judge Judy acknowledges Mr. Dawson's kindness.
She states Mr. Saltzman is clearly responsible for his dog.
The dog got out of his control.
However, she questions Mr. Dawson's responsibility.
She asks if he assumed responsibility by inviting the dog in.
She notes he could not know the dog's temperament.
She says good Samaritans sometimes finish last.
She suggests several precautions Mr. Dawson could have taken.
He could have leashed the dog.
He could have kept him at the door.
He could have put him in the garage.
She asks if he would expect Mr. Saltzman to pay for a new sofa.
This would be if Mocha had relieved himself inside.
Mr. Dawson argues he did not invite the dog in.
He says Mocha ran into the house.
Judge Judy counters that he allowed the dog to stay.
She reminds him his sister interacted with the dog.
She found him domesticated.
Judge Judy states she is not happy with her legal conclusion.
She says she cannot, in good conscience, award him for damages inside his home.
She compares it to a damaged sofa or carpeting.
She believes Mr. Saltzman should not be responsible.
This is because Mr. Dawson brought the dog in.
He did not know if the dog was friendly or liked other animals.
A Challenge to Decency
Judge Judy turns to Mr. Saltzman.
She states his allowing the dog to escape is a problem.
She says a reasonable person would offer to share the vet bills.
She shows a picture of Mocha with Mr. Saltzman's daughter, Alexandra.
She emphasizes the daughter's affection for the dog.
She paints a scenario where the dog could have been hit by a car.
She praises Mr. Dawson's kind gesture.
She challenges Mr. Saltzman's decency.
She asks if he offered to pay for part of the vet bills.
She demands a yes or no answer.
Mr. Saltzman confirms he did offer to pay half.
Judge Judy asks for the vet bill amount.
Mr. Dawson states it was $1,106.
Watch the Full Judge Judy Case Below
See how this case unfolds.
Witness Judge Judy's sharp questioning.
Scroll down.
Press play.
FULL VIDEO
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDlbGS0A2YY
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lpZVJ44eg0
