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Late Chinchilla Rancher's PETA Suit Dismissed In Vista

One of the chinchillas rescued by the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is examined.
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
One of the chinchillas rescued by the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is examined.

A Vista judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by an elderly chinchilla rancher against the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Lurlie Adams — who died at age 90 in December, two months after filing her suit — alleged that her reputation was ruined when PETA described her now-shuttered Adams Valley Chinchilla Ranch in press reports as a "fur farm" that mistreated and killed the furry rodents.

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U-T San Diego reported Monday that Superior Court Judge Timothy Casserly found that Adams was not entitled to damages because PETA's claim was protected by free speech.

PETA and one of its donors bought the chinchilla ranch and shut it down.

The 422 animals were given to the San Diego Humane Society.