A resident of Los Angeles, California, is contemplating legal action against United Parcel Service (UPS) and one of its drivers following the death of her dog. The pet was reportedly killed by a 55-pound package that was thrown over her gate last week. The incident was witnessed by neighbors and captured on surveillance video.
The video, which was broadcast by local CBS affiliate KCAL, shows a UPS truck pulling up in North Hills last Wednesday evening. The driver is seen exiting the truck and carrying a package across the street to the home of Naria Harutjunjan. The package, which appears to be heavy based on the driver’s slow pace, had fatal consequences for Harutjunjan’s dog, Lulu, who she had rescued just a year ago.
Harutjunjan recounted the tragic incident during a news segment. She said that when she went outside to pick up the package, she found Lulu trapped underneath it, unable to move. The surveillance footage also shows the UPS driver bending down after pushing the package over the gate, but it is unclear whether he was aware of the incident before he drove away. As the driver returned to his vehicle, screams of distress could be heard, and a neighbor was seen outside moving his garbage can.
Harutjunjan expressed gratitude to her neighbors who assisted her with Lulu during the incident. She rushed the dog to the Mission Hills clinic, but the pet had already passed away.
If Harutjunjan proceeds with the lawsuit, it could be due to the fact that California Civil Code permits “exemplary damages” when animals, considered as property, are wrongfully harmed due to “gross negligence”. This is defined as a complete disregard for care or a significant deviation from what a reasonably careful person would do in the same situation to prevent harm to oneself or others.
Harutjunjan alleges that the driver should have rung her doorbell but failed to do so. UPS, when contacted for a comment, stated that they are aware of the incident and are in touch with Harutjunjan. The company expressed concern over the incident and assured that they are investigating the matter and will take appropriate action.