'Who Owns This Dog?' Judge Lets The Dog Decide In Viral Video

One adorable dog. Two people who claim to be its owner. An edited clip from a 2012 episode of the American TV show Judge Judy is suddenly viral again. It shows the unusual way the eponymous judge chooses to settle the dispute: she gets the tiny dog to decide who its true owner is. The clip has been viewed over 4.6 million times in three days.

In the clip, a man claims a woman has his dog, illegally. The woman, meanwhile, says she purchased the dog - legally - for $50 and that it rightfully belongs to her. 

Judge Judy listens carefully to both sides and then calls for the dog to be brought into the courtroom.

The crowd in the court "awws" in unison as the adorable pooch is brought in. 

"Put the dog down," Judge Judy commands. 

The tiny dog runs to the man and wagging its tail excitedly.

"It's his dog...That's all. Take the dog home," Judge Judy tells the emotional man, who is clearly thrilled to be reunited with his "baby boy."

"That's what happens you buy a dog for $50 in front of the mall. This means everything in the world to me," the man says afterwards. "Thank you Judge Judy - you're not so mean after all."

Watch the viral video below:



Judge Judy is a long-running TV show in which Judge Judy Sheindlin, a retired judge, settles disputes within a simulated courtroom set.