Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Is friend liable for loss of pet?

A friend of ours was living with us. In order to avoid paying back rent and damages to us, she snuck into house when we were at work, and removed all personal property. During her evacuation of our home, she either let our exotic shorthaired house cat out of the house or took the cat with her. Police were notified because of comments made by her, led us to believe that she might have possession of the cat. Well, either way, our cat is gone, and it disappeared when she moved out. Is she liable to compensate us for the loss of our pet? Family is heartbroken.


Asked on 6/23/05, 7:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

Re: Is friend liable for loss of pet?

It may be difficult to pin the missing cat on your friend, but you can make the allegation that the cat was in the house, would never leave the house and that some negligence your friend's part caused a door to be left open. That still doesn't prove the friend caused the cat to escape. Unless the cat is in her possession, you'll be hard-pressed to prove a case. But if she owes rent, you can make a claim for that, and maybe the issue of the cat will surface to a point where you can get some answers. Good Luck.

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Answered on 6/24/05, 6:45 am


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