Good Morning, animal lovers! Welcome to a new edition of the CertaPet newsletter, your most reliable news source for the Service and Emotional Support Animal community. This week, we will highlight a legal battle between two L.A. residents and their Service Animals. The case is generating plenty of public interest lately.
Legal Drama Regarding An Attack By Billionaire’s Dog Turns Serious With Accusations of Extortion and Negligence
A dog-bite event in L.A. has turned into a legal battle, with accusations of extortion. Gary Michelson (billionaire medical inventor and philanthropist) faced allegations of negligence from interior designer Sandra Evling after Michelson’s dog allegedly bit her.
Michelson claims Evling sought $85,000 from him to avoid public humiliation and legal action against his Service Dog/pet, which could lead to the animal being put down.
The incident has sparked public interest. Many are asking if this is a case of a hapless billionaire facing extortion threats or if he is trying to protect himself and save face. Though Micehlson has a solid philanthropic reputation, Evling’s lawsuit accuses him of extreme negligence for allowing his canine to roam free. She also alleges hers was not the only case where Michelson’s dog, Blue, acted out and endangered others.
The chain of events leading to the legal battle began in August 2022 at a Brentwood park. Evling, walking her dog Neo, claimed that Michelson’s dog, Blue, attacked her pet, and she sustained injuries trying to protect Neo.
Michelson disputed the severity of her injuries but did not negate the attack. He suggested that Evling may have twisted her finger and scraped her elbow. Medical records show Evling received no vascular injuries or fractures to her hand. She was given a tetanus shot and put in a finger splint.
To resolve the issue amicably, Michelson offered to cover medical expenses and arranged a training session for their dogs. He also stated that their calls after the incident were genial and that Evling was doing okay.
However, communication between the two soured when Evling expressed concerns about Blue’s behavior and demanded compensation. According to the texts sent between the two, Evling complained she had extreme PTSD and had heard about another incident involving Blue at the park. This conversation occurred almost eight months after the attack (which Michelson denied).
Evling claimed hearing about the new attack made her relive the incident she had with Blue. Eventually, Evling proposed two options: getting Michelson expelled from their gym and legal action or a payment of $85,000.
Michelson sent Evling $10,000, though he was skeptical of her intentions. He later accused her of preparing a lawsuit despite claiming she didn’t want to involve attorneys.
Both parties filed lawsuits against each other, with Evling alleging multiple attacks by Blue and seeking damages for her injuries. On the other hand, Michelson defends his dog, Blue, and denies all other alleged incidents that Evling cites in her personal injury lawsuit.
Source: LA Times
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
The legal battle between Michelson and Evling is complicated, to say the least. But we’ll keep our readers updated with any new developments. Until then, take good care of yourselves and your Service Animals or ESAs.
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