logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
June 30, 2022
Rapper’s dog bites pool service tech

It happens often in backyards across the country, but it is not every day that the dog belongs to the famous rapper, French Montana. While the incident occurred in 2017, it wasn’t until this May that a court decided the rapper should pay nearly $130,000 in damages.

Juan Lomeli had been servicing Montana’s swimming pool for six months and had never before had any trouble from the German Shepherd, whose name is Zane. Then in May 2017, Lomeli claimed that the dog went crazy while he was doing his job on the grounds, lunging at him and sinking his teeth into his arm. Pictures showed an ugly-looking wound.

Represented by attorney Brad Wallace, Lomeli testified that his injuries were severe enough for him to miss a substantial amount of work, which cost him a lot of money. In addition to the financial loss, he was left with a painful injury. Now, four years after the incident, a California jury found in favor of the former employee, requiring Montana to pay $129,500 in damages. (According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average value of dog bite claims in the state was $59,500 in 2021).

The judgement breaks down to $39,500 in past economic loss, $60,000 in non-economic loss (pain and suffering), and $30,000 in future non-economic loss.

This isn’t the only time that dogs have gotten the rapper into trouble. In 2019, Montana’s dogs bit two different maintenance workers.

Jason Leyva sued Montana after the rapper’s Tibetan Mountain Dog bit him while he was performing his landscaping duties at the Calabasas house. Leyva says the dog was on the premises but not being watched by Montana. The man says Montana should have known his dog was dangerous because it has allegedly bitten others in the past.

The suit accuses Montana of negligence for allowing the animal to “roam freely without any form of restraint or control of a competent person.”

“Defendants failed to have the dog under restraint or to take any other precautions to prevent the dog from attacking Plaintiff or other persons or to warn invitees of the danger posed by the dog.”

The suit also stated that Leyva had been unable, and would continue to be unable, to perform his normal occupation, which had and would result in financial loss. The suit sought unspecified damages.

Daniel Banuelos, Montana’s former handyman, was installing a security camera at Montana’s Calabasas home when he was attacked and bitten by the German Shepherd. The lawsuit alleged that Montana was fully aware the animal had a history of violence. It accused the musician of failing to take protective measures. The lawsuit even accused Montana of having “encouraged the dog’s aggressive and vicious nature in order to make the dog a greater risk and threat to intruders.” Banuelos sued for injuries and lost earnings, though a dollar figure wasn't released.

Despite Zane’s repeated and demonstrated aggressive behavior, Montana still has the dog.

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK