$1.2 million for wrongful dismissal

From ANIMAL PEOPLE, March 2006:

HOUSTON–The Texas 1st Court of Appeals in mid-February 2006
upheld a $1.2 million state district court jury award for wrongful
dismissal made to former Houston city veterinarian Sam Levingston,
DVM, 75.
“The case began when Levingston, who worked for the city for
eight years, sued the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care after he
was fired in May 2000,” wrote Alexis Grant of the Houston Chronicle.
“He said he was fired for complaining that employees were not
properly caring for animals. The city said Levingston was fired
because a dog and her puppies died while in his care.”
Houston city attorney’s office division chief Connie Acosta
said the city would seek a rehearing.