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A 1344

Establishes a tort cause of action for the wrongful injury or death of a companion animal

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 3 co-sponsors

Summary of Bill A 1344 Main Purpose and IntentThis bill aims to establish a new tort cause of action for the wrongful injury or death of a companion animal. This would allow pet ow

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 1344

Summary of Bill A 1344

Main Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to establish a new tort cause of action for the wrongful injury or death of a companion animal. This would allow pet owners to seek civil damages in court if their companion animal is injured or killed due to the negligence or intentional act of another party.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a new statutory cause of action for the "wrongful injury or death of a companion animal"
  • Allows pet owners to recover damages such as veterinary expenses, fair market value of the animal, and reasonable compensation for the loss of the animal's companionship and intrinsic value
  • Defines "companion animal" as a domesticated animal kept primarily for personal enjoyment or companionship, rather than for commercial purposes
  • Specifies that this tort is separate from any criminal charges that may also apply in cases of animal abuse or neglect
  • Clarifies that damages are limited to the fair market value of the animal and reasonable economic damages, without allowing for recovery of non-economic damages like pain and suffering

Affected Parties

  • Pet owners who have their companion animals injured or killed due to the negligence or intentional acts of others
  • Individuals or entities whose actions lead to the wrongful injury or death of a companion animal, who may face civil liability
  • The court system, which will need to interpret and apply this new tort law in relevant cases

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 9, 2025 and has been referred to the Judiciary committee for consideration
  • If passed, the new tort cause of action would go into effect immediately upon the bill becoming law
  • The bill references several prior-session related bills on similar topics of animal welfare and liability, indicating this issue has been considered previously

Overall, this legislation aims to provide pet owners with an additional legal avenue to seek compensation and accountability when their companion animals are wrongfully harmed or killed. It represents an effort to recognize the intrinsic value of pets beyond just their market worth.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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