MA H1561

Bill

Relative to the wrongful death or injury of animal companions

Introduced
01/22/2019

In Committee
01/22/2019

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation relative to the wrongful death or injury of animal companions. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill amends Massachusetts law to allow for the recovery of damages in cases of the wrongful death or injury of an "animal companion," defined as a dog, cat, or other warm-blooded, domesticated non-human animal that is dependent on humans for care. The bill establishes the fair monetary value of the deceased animal, as well as damages for the loss of the animal's companionship and other reasonable expenses, with a $25,000 cap on non-economic damages. The bill also allows for the recovery of damages in cases of injury to an animal companion, including veterinary and other special medical expenses and the loss of the animal's companionship, with the same $25,000 non-economic damages cap. The action must be filed within three years of the injury or the date the plaintiff knew or should have known of the basis for the claim.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (6)

David DeCoste (R), Shawn Dooley (R), Ryan Fattman (R), Joe McKenna (R), Mike Soter (R), Alyson Sullivan (R),

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H5081 (on 11/12/2020)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1561

(7 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1561
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1561.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1815	Known as the companion animal protection act of Massachusetts	Accompanied a study order, see H5127	Similar To
H2934	Relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows	Bill reported favorably by committee as changed and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Similar To
H5081	Study Order	Discharged to the committee on House Rules	Replaced by
H755	Relative to the importation of animals for rescue, shelter, foster, adoption or remote sale	Accompanied a study order, see H5071	Similar To
S1300	To preserve the eternal bonds between people and their animals	Accompanied a study order, see S2547	Similar To
S505	Concerning the use of animals in product testing	Accompanied a new draft, see S2504	Similar To
S958	Relative to the wrongful death or injury of animal companions	Accompanied a study order, see S2496	Similar To

Bill > H1561

MA H1561

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary