Irwin v. Degtiarov

An unprovoked attack by the defendants’ unleashed German shepherd caused the plaintiffs’ Bichon Frisé severe internal injuries, external bruising, and wounds to the head, neck, abdomen, and chest. Emergency surgery was successful but expensive, with veterinary costs ultimately amounting to over $8,000. After a bench trial, a District Court judge found those costs to be both reasonable and necessary and awarded them in full.3 The judgment was affirmed by the Appellate *235Division. The sole issue on appeal is whether damages should be capped at the market value of the dog, regardless of the…