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Wednesday, September 26 2012 |
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Two New York foie gras producers and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets are being sued by the California-based Animal Legal Defense Fund (ADLF) for what it contends is force-feeding of ducks and geese to produce fattened livers.
The lawsuit alleges that in the last weeks of their lives the ducks and geese are force-fed so the birds' livers will grow to 10 times their normal size. ADLF's attorney Jonathan G. Schopf claims this induces hepatic lipidosis, a liver disease that violates a state agriculture law that requires that "the product of a diseased animal" be declared an adulterated food and banned.
“When the department fails to condemn diseased poultry products, they are failing to comply with (the law),” said Stephen Wells, executive director of ALDF, in a statement announcing the suit. “Countless birds are suffering because of the state of New York’s negligence.”
In addition to the state agency, the suit names Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farm, the only commercial foie gras producers in the country since California's ban on the production and sale of foie gras went into effect this summer.
According to news reports, a similar suit, also filed against the same farms and the agriculture department by the national Humane Society, was dismissed in 2008 by state Supreme Court Justice John Egan Jr. on the grounds that the Humane Society did not have standing to sue on behalf of animals raised for food. Schopf claims his legal strategy is different in that "By approving force-fed foie gras for human consumption and allowing it to remain in the marketplace, State respondents have injured [consumers'] interests by causing [them] to consume diseased, dangerous and illegally manufactured products."
Hudson Valley Foie Gras, which calls itself “the humane choice,” says its ducks are healthy and do not suffer.
—Source: timesunion.com (New York) |
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Wednesday, September 19 2012 |
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A Georgia grandmother is being sued by her homeowners association because of a pink playhouse she had built in her backyard for her granddaughter.
Augusta (Georgia) resident Becky Rogers-Peck has been in an ongoing battle with her Mill Haven neighborhood since installing the playhouse last year. Reportedly, the association has no problem with the structure itself, but ra ther the color, which apparently is "too pink" and was not approved in advance. Rogers-Peck claims that the playhouse, which cannot be seen from the street, does not fall under the definition of a backyard structure (like a shed or garage) and so pre-approval of the color was not required.
"The general reaction is, 'Are you kidding me?'" Rogers-Peck told reporters. "'They're suing you over a pink playhouse?' They're policing us like we're in a communist country, and it's just ridiculous. Every once in a while, you've got to stand your ground."
Rogers-Peck was a member of the HOA board at the time the dispute arose in April, but has since been removed. According to news reports, the lawsuit could be dropped if a new board is elected and has a change of heart. She is appealing to potential new board members to stop the nonsense. "I can't afford an attorney, and I was told by an attorney not to go [to court] by yourself," Rogers-Peck said. "I'm just asking for somebody to help me put a stop to this nonsense."
There are 30 homes in the development and Rogers-Peck claims there are numerous violations of other rules, including leaving trash cans or air-conditioning units uncovered.
And as for her granddaughter, Rogers-Peck says, "She knows exactly what's going on, and she is very upset about it. She is scared they might make us tear it down."
—Source: today.msnbc.msn.com |
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Thursday, September 13 2012 |
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An Illinois dad is suing Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, after his daughter tripped while being chased by a character during a Halloween-themed Fright Fest.
Marian Pieczonka claims his young daughter Natalie (age not listed) was chased by a character who jumped out of a port-a-potty, scared her and shot her with a squirt gun. According to the lawsuit, Natalie fell and suffered scrapes and bruises.
The family blames Six Flags Great America for encouraging its employees to chase and frighten the guests. They are seeking $30,000 in damages.
"I can assure you that the safety and well-being of our guests and employees is our top priority," Six Flags Great America spokeswoman Kathryn Enrique said in response to the lawsuit.
—Source: chicago.cbslocal.com |
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Wednesday, September 05 2012 |
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A hustle play by L.A. Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant led to a lawsuit against him from a fan who "felt like a human punching bag."
During a game in 2005 between the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, Bryant chased down a ball headed out of bounds and landed on fan Bill Geeslin, who was seated courtside. Geeslin sued Bryant, claiming he was assaulted and was left with a bruised lung cavity. Geeslin wanted in excess of $75,000.
“I recall a fast-paced incident seeing him come to me, running into me and then forearming me,” Geeslin said in a 2008 deposition. “He intentionally forearmed me in the chest. He did not apologize. He walked away and pushed — he kind of pushed his arm toward me and glared at me and walked away.”
Geeslin passed away shortly after filing the lawsuit (for causes not related to the incident), but his estate continued the case, which in 2010 was thrown out on summary judgment on grounds that no reasonable juror could conclude that Bryant intended to hurt Geeslin. On appeal, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld summary judgment on the emotional distress claim, but allowed the appeal to move forward on the claim of assault.
On the eve of jury trial, Bryant settled the case with the family. The terms are undisclosed.
—Sources: probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com and sports.yahoo.com |
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Wednesday, August 29 2012 |
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A Dallas Cowboys' fan is suing the team, stadium owners, the fan club and team owner claiming her buttocks were burned after sitting on a bench outside the stadium.
According to the lawsuit, Jeanne Carillo planned to attend a Blue & Silver Debut scrimmage game at the stadium. Prior to entry, Carillo sat down on a black marble bench that was uncovered and openly exposed to the August sunlight, causing her to suffer third degree burns on her buttocks. Carillo further alleges that there were no posted warning signs and that the defendants should have known that the material used to construct the bench would become dangerously hot.
Carillo claims to have suffered physical pain and mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, physical impairment and disfigurement. She is seeking an unspecified amount of damages and interest. Carillo is seeking a jury trial.
—Source: dfw.cbslocal.com (Dallas-Fort Worth) |
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