Stearns v. McManis

PEDEN, Justice.

Mr. McManis sued Mr. Stearns for slander. A trial jury found that McManis, who bred, raised, bought, and sold Saint Bernard dogs and operated a kennel, was entitled to $200 as actual damages and $1,000 as exemplary damages because Stearns maliciously called him a “puppy miller.” The term is considered disparaging by dog fanciers. It describes one whose primary interest is in selling puppies for profit with little concern for their health or for improving the breed.

*661The appellant’s points of error are based on the jury’s findings of malice and exemplary damages and on the absence…