Bill > S851

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts law to allow for compensation when an "animal-companion," defined as a dog, cat, or other domesticated warm-blooded animal dependent on humans for care and companionship (excluding animals used in farming, certain research, or regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act), is wrongfully killed or injured. If an animal-companion dies due to a willful, wanton, reckless, or negligent act, the responsible party would be liable for the animal's fair monetary value, the loss of companionship and services to its human companions, burial expenses, court costs, and attorney's fees, with a cap of $25,000 for non-economic damages. Similarly, if an animal-companion is injured, the responsible party would be liable for veterinary and medical expenses, loss of companionship and services, court costs, and attorney's fees, also with a $25,000 cap on non-economic damages. These claims would need to be filed as tort actions within two years of the injury or death, or when the injury was discovered.