Bill

Bill > H1561


MA H1561

Relative to the wrongful death or injury of animal companions


summary

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)

Last Action

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

bill text


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