Zooey Deschanel was sued Wednesday by a horse owner who alleges her animal became lame while under the care of the actress and her trainer.
Patty Parker filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging breach of contract and negligence and seeking unspecified damages. Also named as a defendant is Victoria LaCagnina, identified in Parker’s court papers as a horse trainer.
Deschanel or a representative for the actress could not be immediately reached for comment.
The suit states that Parker’s horses, Literati and Anastasia, were put in LaCagnina’s care after the plaintiff’s daughters left home to go to college.
Parker asked LaCagnina to try and sell Literati, the suit states.
Deschanel, a client of LaCagnina, signed a lease/option agreement for Literati in July 2013, according to the suit. Parker alleges Deschanel and LaCagnina worked Literati in dangerous conditions, overused him and entered him in too many horse shows.
Deschanel has refused to pay Literati’s veterinarian and rehabilitation fees, according to the suit, which also alleges that Anastasia became lame under LaCagnina’s care.
