Los Angeles, Calif. — A lawsuit filed by veterinarian Yolanda Cassidy against members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is facing a push for dismissal from county attorneys. Cassidy claims that officials fabricated a memo regarding the circumstances surrounding the 2020 death of Spike, a bomb-sniffing Labrador.
In her suit, which was lodged in July 2023, Cassidy argues that the document inaccurately depicted her as having examined Spike and being unable to ascertain the cause of his death. County lawyers contend that the memo contains no false statements or defamatory content implicating Cassidy in any wrongdoing.
Ahead of a scheduled hearing on December 10, attorneys for the county filed documents with Judge Alison Mackenzie, requesting that Cassidy’s claims—specifically false light and invasion of privacy—be dismissed. They assert that the memo includes “indisputably true facts” related to an October 2020 meeting, as well as protected opinions regarding possible causes of Spike’s death.
The county’s legal team maintains that Cassidy has not experienced any reputational damage as a result of the memo, noting that she successfully opened her own veterinary practice after its publication and continues to work with law enforcement clients. They argue that no reasonable person would interpret the memo as damaging or offensive to her character.
In the suit, Cassidy claims that when Spike died under suspicious circumstances in a patrol car, Sheriff Alex Villanueva and a department chief sought to obscure the details surrounding the incident. Cassidy alleges that they fabricated claims that she had provided an assessment concerning the dog’s death, despite never having treated or seen Spike.
The lawsuit describes Cassidy as a respected veterinarian poised to launch her clinic in 2022 before the incident damaged her reputation. It states, “Dr. Cassidy was well-respected and had a stellar reputation,” yet alleges corrupt actions by sheriff’s department officials violated her privacy.
During the 2022 campaign, Robert Luna, then Long Beach Police Department Chief, labeled Villanueva’s administration as corrupt, alleging a cover-up in Spike’s case among other accusations.
The case highlights issues surrounding transparency and accountability within law enforcement, particularly regarding the treatment of service animals and the integrity of public officials. As this legal battle unfolds, significant scrutiny is likely to focus on the actions of the Sheriff’s Department and the implications for Cassidy’s professional standing.
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