FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
The Plaintiff's Claim
Ms. Macklemore brought a claim against Mr. Spike.
She alleged that Mr. Spike's dog got loose from his property.
Her dog was injured during this incident.
Ms. Macklemore sought payment for the vet bills.
She requested $1,500.
The Defendant's Denial
Mr. Spike denied the allegations.
He stated he was not present when the incident occurred.
He was confident his dog could not have been involved.
Mr. Spike claimed his dog was on the back porch.
He said the dog was exactly where he left it.
The Date and Time of the Incident
The incident took place on December 21, 2014.
Ms. Macklemore stated it was past 7:30 PM.
It was nighttime when the event unfolded.
Neighbors for Five Years
Ms. Macklemore and Mr. Spike had been neighbors for approximately five years.
The Dogs Involved
Ms. Macklemore owned a small Shih Tzu named Fuzzy.
She had owned Fuzzy since around 2005.
Mr. Spike owned a Pit Bull named Sanchez.
He had owned Sanchez for about three years.
The Night of the Attack
Ms. Macklemore's mother, Celestine, was at home.
Ms. Macklemore was also at home.
Celestine saw Fuzzy come to her, indicating he wanted to go outside.
Celestine's custom was to call for Mr. Spike's dog first.
This was due to her fear of Sanchez.
On this particular night, Celestine called for Sanchez.
Sanchez did not appear.
Celestine then let Fuzzy out into their backyard.
Sanchez Breaks Free
Celestine stood to watch Fuzzy go to the bathroom.
Suddenly, Sanchez came chasing across the yard.
Sanchez usually remained chained.
On this day, Sanchez broke his chain.
He was typically chained to a clothesline on the porch.
The Attack on Fuzzy
Sanchez broke loose from his chain.
He came over and started attacking Fuzzy.
Celestine began yelling for her daughter, Ms. Macklemore.
Celestine stated she was afraid of Sanchez.
Ms. Macklemore rushed out to intervene.
Ms. Macklemore was not afraid of Sanchez.
Celestine carried a bat for protection against Sanchez.
She explained she was not getting in and out of the car at the time.
She had called for Sanchez, but he did not come out.
Separating the Dogs
Ms. Macklemore described coming out to find Sanchez holding Fuzzy in his mouth.
Sanchez was shaking Fuzzy left and right.
Fuzzy was crying during the attack.
When Sanchez saw Ms. Macklemore, he let go of Fuzzy.
Fuzzy then came to Ms. Macklemore.
Fuzzy's Injuries
Ms. Macklemore immediately knew Fuzzy's leg was broken.
His leg was motionless.
They took Fuzzy to the only 24-hour vet available.
At the vet, they were informed Fuzzy's leg was fractured.
The vet recommended surgery.
The cost for surgery was quoted at over $5,000.
Evidence of the Broken Chain
Ms. Macklemore presented a photo of the broken chain.
She took this photo on December 22, 2014.
This was the day after the attack.
The photo showed the broken chain from Mr. Spike's dog.
Mr. Spike's Demeanor
Judge Judy observed Mr. Spike smiling multiple times.
He smiled while Ms. Macklemore and her mother recounted the incident.
Judge Judy found this demeanor inappropriate.
She indicated it showed a lack of seriousness.
Mr. Spike's Defense
Mr. Spike reiterated his defense.
He claimed his dog was chained when he left his house.
He also claimed his dog was on the porch when he returned.
He stated he did not witness the fight.
Questioning the Chain
Judge Judy pressed Mr. Spike about the chain.
She asked if the dog was chained or unchained when he returned.
Mr. Spike insisted the dog was chained.
Judge Judy noted another smile from Mr. Spike.
She then asked if he re-chained the dog.
Mr. Spike replied, "No, ma'am."
Living Arrangements and Credibility
Judge Judy asked Mr. Spike if he lived with anyone else.
He responded, "No, ma'am."
Judge Judy then stated, "Then you're not telling me the truth."
She observed another smile from Mr. Spike.
The audience laughed at this point.
Judge Judy suggested the dog might have been on the porch but not chained.
She reasoned that if he lived alone and did not re-chain the dog, the dog could not have chained himself.
Mr. Spike then said he had to take the chain off his neck.
Judge Judy responded, "I don't believe you."
She noted yet another smile from Mr. Spike.
The Verdict
Judge Judy ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
The Outcome
The defendant, Mr. Spike, was ordered to pay Ms. Macklemore.
The amount awarded was $1,500.
The case was concluded.