HOUSTON — A woman alleges her puppy was stolen from an animal clinic and claims she was falsely arrested and charged with felony mischief due to false statements made by staff at the same clinic.
Vareeta Sirleaf and Kjihla Evans filed a complaint June 19 in Harris County District Court against Dr. M. Iqbal Javid doing business as Abbott Animal Clinic and Modesta Mendez alleging breach of contract, malicious prosecution and other claims.
According to the plaintiffs complaint, they took their Cane Corsa puppy to Abbott Animal Clinic in June of 2022 for boarding while they were on a cruise. They allege their dog was stolen from the animal clinic and that the defendants failed to try and find their dog or try to contact them to tell them their dog was missing.
They claim they did not find out about their dog until they showed up at the clinic to pick up their puppy. The plaintiffs claim that the defendants falsely arrested Sirleaf who is an RN and mother. The plaintiffs further claim, Sirleaf was accused of criminal mischief, indicted by a grand jury all based on false statements made by the defendants.
They allege that after appearing in felony court, the case against Sirleaf was dropped due to lack of evidence, however the felony arrest remains on her criminal background check. She claims the probable cause for her arrest was based solely on a false statement.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of $250,000 or less, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Attorney Penny Wymyczak White in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2023-37724