NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 24, 2026 ) — A New Rochelle judge entered a default judgment against Robert Rubicco, owner of Anna & Jack’s Treehouse, after Rubicco stopped payment on a veterinary bill and failed to appear in court to contest the claim, according to New Rochelle City Court records.
The City Court of New Rochelle, Commercial Claim Part, awarded New Rochelle Animal Hospital P.C., doing business as New Rochelle Veterinary Associates, a judgment of $440.92 against Rubicco, of 3 Kensington Oval, court records show. The judgment, entered after an inquest on April 9, 2014, consisted of $409.35 in damages and $31.57 in costs and disbursements.
Under New York commercial claims procedure, a defendant who does not appear for a scheduled hearing is considered in default, and the claimant need only prove the case to the satisfaction of the judge for a judgment to be entered, according to the notice accompanying the claim.
The dispute stemmed from a Nov. 14, 2013, veterinary visit for Rubicco’s dog, Tucker, a male neutered Shih Tzu, at the clinic’s office at 98 North Avenue, according to an invoice included in the court file. The visit included a new-patient exam, vaccinations, a fecal analysis and grooming services, billed at a total of $409.35.
Rubicco paid for the services by check, but later stopped payment, according to clinic records. A handwritten note in the clinic’s progress notes for Tucker, dated Nov. 19, 2013, states the check was stopped to “get even because cat died two days later.” The same note records a phone call in which, according to the notation, Rubicco referenced “a lawyer” and said “see you in court.”
Dr. Myles Leeds, identified in court filings as the claimant, sent Rubicco a demand letter dated Nov. 19, 2013, stating that $444.75 remained unpaid following the stopped check and associated bank fees. The letter warned that a claim would be filed if payment was not received by Nov. 29, 2013.
In a follow-up letter dated Dec. 10, 2013, Leeds wrote that the clinic had sent bills by regular and certified mail showing the stopped check and the resulting fee, and that the certified mail had been declined and returned.
The hospital filed its notice of claim with New Rochelle City Court on Jan. 14, 2014, seeking $448.31, with a hearing initially scheduled for April 9, 2014. Court records show Rubicco did not appear, resulting in the default judgment in that amount, reduced to $440.92 with costs.
The court file reviewed does not contain any record indicating the judgment has been paid or satisfied.
Under the judgment notice, Rubicco faces possible wage garnishment, bank account liens, or property seizure if the judgment remains unpaid, according to the notice of judgment issued by the court. The notice states the judgment is valid for up to 20 years and remains a lien against real property for 10 years, renewable for an additional 10 years.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
Have information about this story? Email robertcox@talkofthesound (preferred) or contact via WhatsApp: +353 089 972 0669.
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