An Inclusive Litany

5/4/01

Richard Espinosa filed a $1.5 million claim against the city of San Marcos, California after an otherwise popular cat who lived in the local public library attacked his assistance dog, Kimba, inflicting scratches and punctures and resulting in a $50 veterinarian's bill. (The cat was apparently uninjured.) Espinosa says he "was emotionally traumatized and suffers from flashbacks, terror, nightmares and other problems." Espinosa also said he uses Kimba, a 50-pound Labrador mix, to help him deal with complications related to panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder.

[Ed.: Espinosa later amended the lawsuit, claiming the attack was a "hate crime."]