Peta faces $9m lawsuit for 'stealing and euthanising' pet Chihuahua

The family claim their daughter could not sleep for weeks after the dog's disapperance

The animal rights group PETA is being sued for $9m (Youtube)

The animal rights group Peta is being sued for $9 million by the family whose dog that was accidentally euthanised by the organisation.

According to the lawsuit filed in Norfolk, Virginia, Maya, a Chihuahua, was a Christmas gift for Wilber Zarate’s daughter four years ago.

Surveillance video from Mr Zarate’s home taken in October 2014 provided the last images the family has of the dog. Peta later admitted one of its former workers made a “tragic mistake” by euthanising Maya without permission.

According to WAVY.com, the 11-page lawsuit alleges trespassing and emotional distress. Court documents said that on the day Maya was taken from the home in Parksley, the family bought her a pillow at the store, but came back and could not find her.

After Maya was killed, Peta representatives came to the Zarate home with a fruit basket, according to the lawsuit. The paperwork said once Mr Zarate’s daughter learned the bad news, she cried for weeks and lost sleep and weight.

“We want to hold them accountable for what they do and we look forward to a trial in this case,” said the family’s lawyer, William Shewmake.

“They’ve lost a member of their family, as anybody who has a dearly beloved pet understands, they’re a member of your family.”

Peta said residents in that area had asked for help with abandoned dogs. The state later fined Peta $500 because it failed to keep the dog alive for the amount of time required by law. Peta was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.