Settlement reached in death of family dog
MISSOULA, Montana (Missoulian) The Missoula County District Court reached a settlement for more than $5,000 last month in a civil lawsuit for the death of a Missoula family’s dog in 2019 after it was caught in an illegal animal trap.
Plaintiffs Bryan Dalpes and Rachel Luger were awarded $3,950 in punitive damages and $1,414.50 in damages and special fees by the Missoula County District Court for the death of their 17-month-old Lab mix, Betsy, following testimony given on March 17.
“This is a long time coming,” said the plaintiffs’ attorney, William Rideg. “It is an important benchmark and will set precedent for future, similar cases.”