Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510110085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The owner of Puppyland filed two lawsuits Tuesday against WSLS (Channel 10), claiming that news reports of an investigation into the death of a dog at the Franklin Road business were "false and defamatory."
According to papers filed in Roanoke Circuit Court, WSLS reporter Chris Lloyd reported in a series of broadcasts this year that Puppyland owner Chris Benson killed or abused animals in his care, that he was the subject of a criminal investigation, and that he "should not be allowed to remain in business."
No charges have been filed against Benson, Roanoke authorities said Tuesday, and his attorney said he is not aware of any investigation being conducted.
The reports have "totally destroyed" Benson's business, according to his attorney, Barry Tatel of Roanoke. "He's seeing one dog a day," Tatel said. "They have absolutely shut him down."
Tatel said Benson also has received threats and "nasty phone calls" from people who viewed the newscasts.
Bill Foy, news director at WSLS, declined to comment Tuesday, saying the lawsuits had not yet been served on the station.
The two lawsuits, one filed by Benson personally and the other on behalf of Puppyland, also named Amy L. Martin, a former Puppyland employee who now works for a competing pet grooming business, for comments she reportedly made to WSLS.
by CNB