Boa’s Owner Must Pay Cost of Eaten Dog

With the wisdom of Solomon and the wit of an ex-mayor, freshly minted TV judge Edward I. Koch awarded $1,500 Thursday to the owner of Babette--the San Fernando Valley Chihuahua that became a snack for a runaway boa constrictor.

The decision, reached during a taping of “The People’s Court,” was a partial victory for dog owner Flossie Torgerson, whose tiny pet was eaten Aug. 9 by Angus Johnson’s 7 1/2-foot snake. Torgerson had sought $5,000 for Babette’s value and for emotional distress.

“I awarded her the value of the dog,” said Koch, who has replaced Judge Joseph Wapner on a new version of the syndicated show. “Under California law, there is no compensation for bereavement over a dead dog. She was not entitled to that money.”

Johnson had countersued for defamation of character. Both sides agreed to let Koch settle the dispute and were flown to Manhattan for some videotaped justice.

The decision closes the case that Koch’s show dubbed “I Can’t Believe She Ate the Whole Thing.” The segment will air on the week of Sept. 8. Koch concluded that Johnson was guilty of negligence for opening the door of his San Fernando Valley home Aug. 7 and letting his snake, Alissss, slither out. Further, Koch ruled, Johnson was at fault for failing to “accurately alert his neighbors” by posting signs or notifying authorities.

The snake, which ordinarily had a monthly meal of three two-pound rats, appeared on Torgerson’s patio two days later and swallowed her dog. It was subsequently captured and taken to an animal shelter; Johnson has until Saturday to find Alissss a home outside Los Angeles.