Summary
In Raymond v Lachmann (264 A.D.2d 340 [1st Dept 1999]), the court, taking into consideration "[t]he cherished status accorded to pets in our society, the strong emotions engendered by disputes of this nature, and the limited ability of the courts to resolve them satisfactorily," applied a "best for all concerned" analysis in determining the ownership of a ten-year-old cat.
Summary of this case from Rodriguez v. CastanoOpinion
August 19, 1999.
Appeal from the Supreme Court, New York County (Sheila Abdus-Salaam, J.).
Cognizant of the cherished status accorded to pets in our society, the strong emotions engendered by disputes of this nature, and the limited ability of the courts to resolve them satisfactorily, on the record presented, we think it best for all concerned that, given his limited life expectancy, Lovey, who is now almost ten years old, remain where he has lived, prospered, loved and been loved for the past four years.
As to the imposition of sanctions for improper discovery practice, while we do not condone such conduct, we consider vacatur of such sanctions appropriate under the circumstances of this case.
Concur — Ellerin, P. J., Tom, Wallach and Andrias, JJ.