Bill > A01344

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for seeking damages when a companion animal is wrongfully injured or killed, providing owners with new legal recourse. Specifically, the bill allows owners to sue for damages when someone intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causes harm to their companion animal, with clear definitions drawn from existing law. Owners can recover the fair monetary value of the animal, damages for loss of companionship, veterinary expenses, court costs, and attorney's fees. The bill also allows for punitive damages in cases of intentional or reckless serious injury or death. The legislation defines a companion animal using existing agricultural law definitions and provides a three-year statute of limitations for filing such claims, with potential extensions under certain circumstances. For cases involving an animal's direct injuries, the bill allows a guardian ad litem to bring an action, with recovered damages placed in a trust for the animal's care, and any remaining funds distributed to a non-profit animal protection organization upon the animal's death. Additionally, the bill permits courts to issue restraining orders and other injunctive relief related to companion animal injury cases. The law would take effect immediately and apply to causes of action arising from its effective date.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1344