A tragic incident involving a dog attack has led to a lawsuit filed in Ventura County, California. The plaintiffs, Ryan Kandell and Monika Rye, have initiated legal proceedings against Creighton McCarthy and Anabel McCarthy, following the death of David Kandell and his dog Bruno. The complaint was filed on March 13, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura.
Ryan Kandell, acting individually and as a successor in interest to his father David Kandell, along with Monika Rye, has brought forth allegations against Creighton McCarthy and Anabel McCarthy. According to the complaint, on December 20, 2024, while walking their dog Bruno in their neighborhood in Simi Valley—a routine activity for over four years—David Kandell was attacked by Rocky, a Rottweiler owned by the defendants. This sudden attack resulted in fatal injuries to both David Kandell and Bruno. The plaintiffs argue that the defendants were negligent in controlling their dog Rocky and failed to adhere to local municipal codes requiring dogs to be leashed when outside their premises.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence leading to wrongful death and survivor action claims. It also asserts strict liability due to the dangerous nature of Rocky's actions. Furthermore, it alleges violations of Ventura County Municipal Code Sections 4461 and 4462 concerning leash laws and animals at large. "Defendants' conduct directly led to this tragic event," states the complaint. The plaintiffs are seeking general damages for wrongful death and survivor claims under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 425.11.
In addition to these claims, Ryan Kandell seeks compensation for medical expenses incurred due to his father's death as well as funeral costs. Meanwhile, Monika Rye is pursuing damages for emotional distress caused by losing her companion animal Bruno. She also demands exemplary damages under Civil Code Section 3340 due to gross negligence exhibited by the defendants.
The case highlights serious allegations against pet owners who fail in their duty of care towards neighbors by not securing potentially dangerous animals properly within residential areas populated with families and other pets alike—a breach that can lead tragically as seen here with fatal consequences resulting from irresponsible pet ownership practices being called into question legally now through this court filing.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Andrew L. Shapiro and David B. Bobrosky from Lewitt, Hackman, Shapiro, Marshall & Harlan law firm based out of Encino California; they have outlined multiple causes seeking relief including monetary compensation alongside punitive measures deemed appropriate given circumstances surrounding this case which underscores importance ensuring safety compliance amongst all residents regarding handling domestic animals responsibly within community settings such Simi Valley where incident occurred last year prompting current litigation efforts underway today before Judge presiding over matter assigned Case ID: 2025CUFPO40048