Couple to sue over loss of pet dog
A Brisbane couple, whose dog was mauled to death at a kennel, have asked for $25,000 in compensation to cover their traumatic loss.
Mark Allen and Elly Yarrow told News Ltd they wanted to change the way the law recognised animals after their pet 10-year-old dog, Grommet was attacked by a larger dog while in care.
The couple has hired the barrister who represented triple killer Max Sica and former Bundaberg surgeon Jayant Patel as well as the man who currently represents Gerard Baden-Clay.
It will be the first time in Queensland a plaintiff has sued for damages beyond an animal's replacement cost.
Grommet, a cross between a cavalier and a Maltese terrier, was treated like royalty by her owners.
"She was like a family member. It's the unconditional love. We moved houses because she didn't like the old one," Ms Yarrow said.
"She was my daughter's but when she moved out Grommet stayed with us and moved with us (from Adelaide) to Queensland.
"When we went overseas for four weeks two years ago, it was the longest time I'd been away from her. I emailed her to see how she was going."
How the February 22 incident occurred at the kennel is still unclear, and the couple says they have still not fully recovered from the loss of Grommet.
"We are both suffering severe grief symptoms. Elly is noticeably withdrawn (and) still cries herself to sleep," Mr Allen said.
The kennel would not comment on the incident.
