Defamation suit filed against LV station

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Friday, May 21, 1999 | 11:31 a.m.

Frederick and Judy Palmieri, who own pet stores in the Galleria, Meadows and Boulevard malls, filed suit in District Court against KVBC Channel 3 and its parent companies, Valley Broadcasting Co. and Sunbelt Communications Co., and a reporter, Darcy Spears.

The Palmieris do business as Meadows Pet Center and Friskies Pet Center.

The suit says in 11 broadcasts, Channel 3 accused the stores of selling sick animals. The Palmieris said they were cleared by authorities, but the television station interviewed disgruntled ex-employees to put the stores in a bad light.

The suit also says a station executive threatened to put the stores out of business in a telephone conversation. Unspecified damages are sought. Channel 3 declined comment on the suit.