Woman sues to prove dogs are 'living souls,' not property.

[The "It" Parade.]

Woman sues to prove dogs are 'living souls,' not property.

When Elena Zakharova looks into the eyes of her puppy as it suffers from bad knees and achy hips, she does not see a defective product to be returned to the store for a refund.

The New York City resident believes Umka, her 1-year-old Brussels Griffon, is a living soul who feels pain and emotion. Now her attorney aims to prove it in court.

Zakharova has filed a civil suit in a New York court against the Upper East Side pet store that sold her a puppy who went on to develop numerous medical complications. The suit seeks to hold the store liable for the dog’s pain and suffering, as well as its medical bills, as if it were a person rather than an inanimate product.

Under New York law, pets are considered “property,’’ but the complaint is trying to change that definition. The ultimate goal is to help shut down the puppy mills, many of them based in the Midwest, that often mass-produce the animals sold in boutique pet stores like Raising Rover, where Umka was purchased.

[vintagelovingvegan]

A living soul referred to as an ''it''. Determined to prove that HER beloved dog she PURCHASED from a STORE, is a living, breathing sentient being that she doesn't want a REFUND for....she wants compensation....perhaps she will go out and spend it on more sentient beings but this time from a breeder, not a store. But that's OK, because as long as she doesn't go to a puppy mill or backyard breeder it makes it just dandy...... *big sigh* :'(