Smith v. Humane Society of United States

Patricia Breckenridge, chief justice

Mary Ann Smith filed a petition against the Humane Society of the United States (“HSUS”) and Missourians for the Protection of Dogs, alleging various statements made in documents related to the ballot initiative, the “Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act,” were defamatory and placed her in a false light. Specifically, Ms. Smith alleged the specific statements were defamatory because they falsely stated or implied her kennel was one of the worst “puppy mills” in Missouri, according to the research done by HSUS, had “atrocious” and “unconscionable” state and…