Pet store sues actor Mickey Rourke following protest
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Beach pet store is suing actor Mickey Rourke after he staged yet another protest, accusing the store of selling him a sick puppy.
The owners of Hot Dog Puppies, located along Espanola Way, filed a lawsuit against Rourke on Saturday for defamation of character after the "Sin City" star staged a protest in front of the business.
"Sue? Bring it on, sweetheart," Rourke retorted, amidst a group of at least two dozen supporters who all want to see the pet store closed.
The lawsuit says Rourke made several statements with the intention of injuring or destroying the business, and, in turn, the storeowners want $15,000 in damages.
Rourke bought a chihuahua from the store in Dec. of 2006 and claims the dog was sick and died days later. According to the actor, other shop customers have notified him regarding animals they purchased that have also suffered.
In February, owners of Hot Dog Puppies told sources that Rourke's money was refunded and they paid the vet bills. "He has bought a puppy from us before. He had to be satisfied," said Erika Montoya, co-owner of Hot Dog Puppies.
Rourke, a well-known Animal Rights activist, says he is looking out for the animals. "If I can save one dog, it will be worth it. I'm not that crazy about people, but I happen to like dogs a lot," he said.
(Copyright 2007 by The Sunbeam TV Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
