ELBURN – An Elburn veterinarian who also sells ragdoll cats has filed a lawsuit against the creator of anonymous websites she contends are trying to hurt her business.
Jennifer Creed, who owns A+ Pet Vet and Dr. Jenn’s Ragdolls, on April 4 filed a lawsuit against John Does 1-5. In the lawsuit, Creed requested unspecified damages and that the defendants be forced to remove the content in question.
The lawsuit stated she “has suffered and continues to suffer damages including, but not limited to, harmed reputation, embarrassment, mental anguish, loss of business and emotional distress.”
Creed, who previously used the name Jennifer Woll, has requested a jury trial. The case is set for a hearing in Kane County Court on June 26.
Among other things, the anonymous websites claim that Creed has kept ragdoll kittens in poor conditions. The suit also claimed that John Does 1-5 began sending emails to other businesses in the pet breeding and veterinary community assailing her character and warning them against doing business with her.
According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Creed first received her veterinary license in 1993 and never has been disciplined.
Creed declined comment, referring all questions to her attorney, Charles Mudd, who could not be reached for comment. In the lawsuit, Creed contends that John Does 1-5 are competitors of hers that gain a “commercial or economic advantage” from their conduct toward her.
Ragdoll cats are a specific breed of cat known for its blue eyes and distinct colorpoint coat. They are notable for collapsing into the arms of anyone who holds them, even if they are cradled on their back.
According to the lawsuit, John Does 1-5 have intentionally interfered with Creed’s business “by creating multiple websites on the Internet designed for this purpose, publishing false and defamatory statements about the plaintiffs on their websites, and other related conduct.”