Former Employee Barks Online, Pet Facility Bites Back

Ex-worker posted defamatory ads and reviews online, lawsuit says

Like many people who are fired, Christopher Pesch felt bitter toward his former employer. And he made sure everyone knew about it.

But now his rants and raves have made him the recipient of a lawsuit.

Urban Out Sitters, a Near West Side pet facility, has accused Pesch of posting defamatory ads and reviews about their business via Craigslist and Yelp.

Pesch was fired "shortly after" being hired in August 2009, according to the lawsuit. He had signed an Employment Agreement, which included a non-disparagement clause. However, after being dismissed, Pesch spitefully posted online classifieds and reviews, "insinuating that [the business] 'beat and hit dogs' and that past clients 'had experiences that traumatized their pets,'" states the complaint.

Urban Out Sitters has also accused Pesch of contacting current and potential clients, urging them to take their business elsewhere.

Pesch was holding on to his belligerence like a dog with a bone.

The business is suing Pesch for defamation, tortuous interference with a prospective business advantage, and breach of employment agreement. The complaint includes a request to bar Pesch from posting any more comments about Urban Out Sitters, along with punitive damages and attorney fees.

Matt Bartosik is a Chicago native and a social media sovereign.

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