Bill > S2610

This bill establishes a new legal right, known as a "cause of action," allowing pet owners to sue individuals who intentionally or negligently cause serious injury or death to their pets. Specifically, if a pet is seriously injured or dies due to another person's unlawful, intentional, or negligent actions, the owner can seek compensation for "noneconomic damages," which are defined as the loss of the pet's companionship, love, and affection. The bill sets a maximum recovery limit of $7,500 for these noneconomic damages, but only if the injury or death occurs on the owner's property or while the pet is under the owner's or caretaker's supervision. A "caretaker" is defined as someone temporarily entrusted with a pet's control. There are also minimum recovery amounts: $500 for serious injury and $750 for death or injury resulting in death. These limits do not apply to other related legal claims, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, and the bill excludes not-for-profit entities and government agencies acting for public health or animal welfare from these provisions. This new law will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Justice

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