I know this is a rerun, but I can not believe JM was so mean to the defendant. It was clear this dog is better with the defendant. The plantif was clearly on drugs and basically homeless. I love JM but this time I don't think she got it right!!
shareShe was following the law.
The defendant basically stole the dog. Their property was settled at the time of their divorce. The guy got the dog with no argument from her.
JM's example was that if your neighbor was mistreating the dog, you'd have NO RIGHT to take it because you can give it a better home.
As for what was best for the dog, the dog is property under the law, and the courts are not in the business of deciding "custody" of the animal.
The Plaintiff may have had his problems, but the Defendant clearly kept the dog illegally -- after being away for 2 years, then coming back to claim the dog.
Great reply to the OP.
The defendant seemed like an insufferable person and a bit bitter.
The defendant seemed like an insufferable person and a bit bitter.
Milian, who IS an animal lover, followed the law, not her heart.
She has nothing against the breed. She makes it painfully clear that she understands how animals will do what it's in their nature to do and cannot be blamed for their actions.
She does, however, have something against pit bull owners, particularly the ones who land in her courtroom. And for good reason.
Is it wrong for her to lay into a pit bull owner whose dog attacked another dog after learning that dog had gotten out and attacked other dogs on previous occasions? Or that it was unleashed and uncontrolled? I don't think so. I think those owners deserve the public shaming.
There are irresponsible owners for every breed, but when a particular type of dog is capable of or prone to such carnage, additional care must be taken.
Added to what rrattbbooyy said, I believe JM lives in a Florida county where pits are outlawed. Being a jurist, that too, would color her opinion.
Then, there is her often told story about a dog (don't recall is it was a pit) killing her cat in the presence of her children.
Bottom line: Animals do what they do. It's the owners that need to be held accountable.