[304065]

Sounds like real work to me, counsel probably got one third!

Scooter, sounds like a conversion claim and a negligent infliction of emotional distress with some actual damages thrown in, what do you think?

Hmm.. . conversion . .. . permanent deprivation of value of the cat. Court hears evidence to ascertain value of cat, she introduces evidence at trial of travel expenses, customs fees, food, etc. Defendant (acting in pro se) doesn't refute any of it, she's home free?

On the NIMD, he doesn't refute the negligence claim, she introduces evidence of psych/physical harm (note small medical bill) and asks for $15k, he doesn't refute, she wins!

Oh, and this does not represent a weakness of the legal system. All moral responsibility in this case, as in every other one, lies with the litigants.