Mugsy, a 75 pound Staffordshire terrier, more commonly known as a pit bull, mauled the foot and ankle of an Arcata Animal Hospital boarding facility worker in September 2000. Marta Priebe suffered nerve damage and required physical therapy for her injuries. In his verdict, Justice Marvin Baxter declared owners, such as Mugsy’s, would have no need to fear lawsuits over the use of kennels “for conduct they are in no position to guard against or control once the dog is surrendered to the kennel for boarding." Despite the partial decision against her, Priebe is continuing her lawsuit on the grounds that the Mugsy’s owner did not disclose the pit bull’s aggressive tendencies.

Much like other decisions by the California Supreme court, this latest interpretation of the law is making ripples throughout the country. The most notable article of animal legislation to come out of California in recent times is SB 861 which allows local agencies to mandate specific breed spay and neuter programs. With this verdict, California has added another tally to its history of trendsetting decisions.

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