Dogs as Plaintiffs?

Sue Altmeyer, Electronic Services Librarian, sue.altmeyer@law.csuohio.edu | May 23, 2008 - 09:38

Can dogs sue for injuries inflicted upon them? The following Ohio case held that the owners must sue on the dog's behalf:

"In this regard, the court noted that despite Boomer’s fine qualities as a dog, his status as “personalty” deprived him of the legal capacity to sue. Again, this is consistent with Oberschlake, in which we held that dogs cannot directly recover for their injuries. In particular, we stressed evidentiary problems that would arise if animals are allowed to sue directly. Id. at ¶ 18."
Pacher v. Invisible Fence of Dayton, 154 Ohio App.3d 744, 2003-Ohio-5333 at ¶21. (Thanks to Attorney Anne McFarland).

If dogs could be plaintiffs, there is already a lawyer for them! See the YouTube video, below. (Thanks to the Law Librarian Blog)