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May 4, 2006 8:57 pm US/Pacific
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TV Producer Sues Dog Whisperer For Damages
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
Television producer Flody Suarez today sued Cesar Millan -- known as "The Dog Whisperer" -- for allegedly injuring his pet Labrador, Gator, in a training session.
According to the lawsuit by Suarez, whose work includes "8 Simple Rules," "The Book of Daniel" and "The Tick," Gator was injured while working out on a treadmill, costing Suarez $20,000 in veterinarian bills.
According to the lawsuit, Suarez took his 5-year-old pooch to Millan's training and kennel facility, Dog Psychology Center of Los Angeles, on Feb. 26, so Gator could be socialized with other dogs and helped to overcome his
fear of strangers.
One of Millan's trainers allegedly put a choke chain on Gator and he was placed on a treadmill -- for the first time in his life--, where he collapsed after being overworked, according to the lawsuit.
Trainers delayed taking the dog to a veterinarian, then finally took him to one without proper equipment to handle Gator's injuries, the lawsuit states.
Gator ultimately had to be taken by a pet ambulance to a capable facility, according to the lawsuit.
Suarez left several unanswered telephone at the Dog Psychology Center, and on the eighth day, Millan himself called,according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also states he was not told what happened to Gator until five hours after the injuries occurred.
Gator has had several surgeries, was fed with a tube for several weeks and may never be able to eat normally again, the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Among the allegations are negligence, fraud and deceit, and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Suarez is asking for unspecified general, special and punitive damages, as well as costs for veterinary expenses and for the reduced value of the dog, which serves as the logo for Suarez's company.
Millan's dog whispering training methods have been written about in newspapers and magazines, and also have been featured on television. He has appeared on "Oprah" and also has his own television show.
(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)