LEONE v. WORLD OF PUPS INC (2020)

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed, without costs.

At a nonjury trial in this small claims action, plaintiff testified that he had purchased a dog, Zoey, from defendants' store for the price of $4,191.69. The day after the purchase, Zoey became very ill. Upon the advice of defendants' owner, plaintiff brought Zoey to defendants' veterinarian, but there was no improvement. Defendants' owner then directed plaintiff to return Zoey so he could try to get her well. Plaintiff never saw Zoey again and never received a refund. Defendants' owner denied taking Zoey back. Following the trial, the Civil Court awarded plaintiff the principal sum of $4,191.69.

In a small claims action, our review is limited to a determination of whether “substantial justice has ․ been done between the parties according to the rules and principles of substantive law” (CCA 1807; see CCA 1804; Ross v. Friedman, 269 AD2d 584 [2000]; Williams v. Roper, 269 AD2d 125, 126 [2000]). Furthermore, the determination of a trier of fact as to issues of credibility is given substantial deference, as a trial court's opportunity to observe and evaluate the testimony and demeanor of the witnesses affords it a better perspective from which to assess their credibility (see Vizzari v. State of New York, 184 AD2d 564 [1992]; Kincade v. Kincade, 178 AD2d 510, 511 [1991]). This deference applies with greater force to judgments rendered in the Small Claims Part of the court (see Williams v. Roper, 269 AD2d at 126). Moreover, a small claims court is generally not “bound by statutory provisions or rules of practice, procedure, pleading or evidence” (CCA 1804).

The parties disputed whether Zoey was returned to defendants, pursuant to defendants' instructions, and never returned. We find no basis to disturb the court's determination in favor of plaintiff, as plaintiff established a cause of action based on conversion.

As the judgment provided the parties with substantial justice (see CCA 1804, 1807), the judgment is affirmed.

WESTON, J.P., ELLIOT and TOUSSAINT, JJ., concur.