A San Diego County Superior Court judge ruled December 11 that a $1.5-million lawsuit against the City of Escondido over an attack by the public library’s cat could go to trial.
Judge Jacqueline Stern rejected the city’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed in 2001 by Richard Espinosa, who claimed that the city violated his civil rights and caused him lasting physical and emotional damage when L.C. (for Library Cat) attacked his assistance dog during a library visit. Citing several points that should be decided at trial—including whether the city offered Espinosa the same right to use the library as other members of the public—Stern also denied the city’s request to limit Espinosa’s claim to $1,000, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported December 12.
Espinosa, who is representing himself, told the newspaper that the ruling proved his case had merit. “I’ve out-lawyered the lawyers,” he said. “That means this case is pure.”
The city’s attorney Steve Nelson said the city would fight the suit in front of a jury if necessary. “We’re not going to roll over on this one. We’re going to fight like cats and dogs,” he said in the December 12 Escondido North County Times.
Posted December 19, 2003.