HOA Karen Called Animal Control On My Horses — Officer Laughed When He Saw My Veterinary License
Chapter 9
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The harassment continued in smaller ways. Someone—and I had no proof, but a strong suspicion about who—called the health department, claiming I was attracting rats with my feed storage. The health inspector found my locked, rodent-proof feed bins completely compliant with regulations. Someone else reported me to the EPA for water contamination, which led to water testing that showed my property was having zero impact on the local water table.Each false report, each baseless complaint, each threatening letter went into my file. Robert assured me it was all building toward a strong harassment case, but the constant stress was wearing me down.The motion to dismiss hearing finally arrived. I dressed in my best suit and met Robert at the Lancaster County Courthouse. Sharon was there with her attorney, a sharp-looking woman named Patricia Everett, who at least had the grace to look slightly embarrassed by the case she was arguing.Judge Morrison—no relation to Henry, as far as I knew—was a no-nonsense woman in her late 50s who clearly didn't suffer fools. She reviewed the filings, listened to Patricia Everett's arguments about community standards and property values, and then turned to Robert."Mr. Chen, I assume you have a response?""Your Honor, this case should never have been filed. Doctor Baxter's property is not part of the Meadowbrook Hills HOA. The deed clearly excludes it from the HOA covenants. The HOA has no standing to sue him for violating rules that don't apply to him. Furthermore, his property is properly zoned for agricultural use, and he is in full compliance with all county and state regulations. The HOA has filed numerous false reports with various agencies, all of which have investigated and found no violations. This lawsuit is nothing more than harassment of a property owner who is legally using his land."Judge Morrison looked at Sharon's attorney. "Miss Everett, is the property part of the HOA?"Patricia hesitated. "Your Honor, the HOA maintains that because the property is surrounded by HOA properties, it should be subject to HOA rules.""That's not how property law works," Judge Morrison said dryly. "Is the property specifically included in the HOA covenant?""No, Your Honor, but—""Then the HOA has no standing. This case is dismissed with prejudice. Dr. Baxter, do you wish to file a countersuit?""Yes, Your Honor," Robert said, handing forward a prepared filing. "We're seeking legal fees and damages for harassment."Judge Morrison reviewed the filing and the evidence Robert had compiled of all the false reports, threatening letters, and public defamation. Her expression grew increasingly stern."Miss Everett, I'm going to strongly suggest that your client cease all contact with Doctor Baxter unless there's a genuine emergency. The pattern of behavior documented here borders on stalking and is certainly harassment. I'm granting the countersuit and scheduling a hearing for damages. If there are any further incidents before that hearing, I'll be far less lenient."