Lorenzo Clark vs. Memphis Animal Services, et al

Case Background

On September 22, 2022, Plaintiff Lorenzo Clark filed a Fourth Amendment violation lawsuit for unlawful search and seizure in the United States District Court, Tennessee Western (Case number: 2:22cv2641). This case was assigned to Judge John Thomas Fowlkes, Jr. and referred to Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff

Cause

On September 24, 2021, Lorenzo Clark, the plaintiff, experienced a clear violation of his Fourth Amendment rights when Memphis Animal Services (MAS) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) unlawfully entered his enclosed backyard without a warrant. This intrusion occurred under the false pretense of conducting an animal welfare check. With support from MPD, MAS employees unlawfully accessed Clark's property, seizing his eleven dogs, including ten American Pit Bulls and one Exotic Bully Mix. Despite the dogs being healthy and cared for, MAS failed to notify Mr. Clark about the impoundment, as required by their own rules. Moreover, he was not informed of his redemption rights.

Injuries

The unlawful search and seizure, which violated Clark's Fourth Amendment ri