The Supreme Court of Wisconsin has overturned the Appeals Court ruling, deciding that Tootsie the Goldfish is not a pet under Wisconsin Statute #123 because the law is intended to apply to pets that could cause property damage or health and safety concerns.
Carrie Smith is pleased with the outcome of the trial, but it is a bittersweet victory.
The average lifespan of a goldfish is a year and a half - the same as the amount of time it takes for a case to get through the court system. Unfortunately, Tootsie died just as the Supreme Court made its decision.