Friday, June 7, 2002
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Friday, June 7, 2002 |
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PTC dead dog dispute may be headed to TV's 'Judge Hatchett' By JOHN
MUNFORD
A dispute over a Peachtree City man's dead dog is likely headed to Judge Hatchett. The TV show "Judge Hatchett," that is. James Tuccillo claims a neighbor's Akita dog strayed into his yard March 17, attacking and killing his Sheltie. Tuccillo has filed a small claims suit in Fayette County Magistrate Court against Michael Gorman, who lives several doors down from him on Loyd Road. But both parties have asked for a continuance in the case so it may be heard by "Judge Hatchett," a TV show designed to settle minor legal disputes for broadcast. If both parties agree to air their disputes on the TV show, they must both agree to binding arbitration so the issue may be settled. If that happens, the small claims suit would be dismissed. The star of the show, former Fulton County Juvenile Court Judge Glenda Hatchett, is famous for using "interventions" to resolve legal matters, such as a repeat drunk driving offender who gets "a sobering experience behind the wheel" of a special car that simulates the affects alcohol has on driving skills. In the small claims suit, Tuccillo is seeking $690 in damages from Gorman, including the $450 cost of the dog plus $245 for its cremation and examination. Gorman denies Tuccillo's court claim, noting, "Plaintiff's claim omits statements of fact that are crucial to a fair and just disposition of the claim." Reportedly, no witnesses saw the attack, but the dog was reported in the area after the Tucillos' dog was found dead in their yard. Gorman told police he had not let his dogs out of the yard during the time of the attack. Police investigating the incident noticed claw marks at the top of the fence on Gorman's property indicating that the dogs may have escaped over the fence at one time.
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