Bill > SB581

This bill, known as "Buddy's Law", increases the maximum amount of compensatory damages that can be awarded to a pet owner when someone tortiously (wrongfully) causes injury or death to their pet. Specifically, the bill raises the damages cap from $10,000 to $25,000. The law defines compensatory damages as the fair market value of a pet in case of death, plus reasonable veterinary care costs, or in the case of injury, just the reasonable veterinary care costs. The bill clarifies that a "pet" means a domesticated animal, but explicitly excludes livestock. Under the new law, if a person causes harm to a pet while acting individually or through an animal under their ownership, direction, or control, they can be held liable for damages to the pet's owner. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing pet owners with greater financial recourse when their pets are wrongfully injured or killed.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0581?ys=2025RS