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Maryland Looks to Remove Cap on Compensatory Damages Associated with Pet Attack

In the United States, pet owners and their pets often have strong bonds and close relationships. Many go above and beyond what is standard to ensure that a pet is loved, treated well and that his or her life is maintained through medical intervention. It is the strong relationship between pet and pet owner that has caused laws protecting animals and pets to emerged over the years, requiring those who have injured a pet to pay the owner for damages. At the end of the day, though pets are often considered members of the family, the laws surrounding pet ownership straddle the line between family members and property.

The Legal Relationship of Pets, Past, and Present

In the past, pets were always considered property because in previous decades, they had a role in maintaining the family residence. Animals were rarely considered “pets” in the way that we consider them today, as cows were there to supplement farmers with milk, chickens were sources of eggs and meat, and dogs helped shepherd other livestock animals around the family farm. With a migration to the cities, animals were treated less like property and more like emotional support, like a family member.

The laws that are on the books in Maryland treat animals, not considered livestock, as something between property and a protected member of society. With a recent bill, the Senate is looking to provide further protections to our furry friends by ensuring that their lives are compensated for when they are injured or killed.

Senate Bill 143, an Expansion on Pet Protections and Compensatory Damages

According to Senate Bill 143 introduced by Senator Zirkin, Maryland law would find that any pet that is injured or killed resulting from the acts of another person or resulting from the acts of the person’s pet is liable for compensatory damages to the owner of the injured or killed pet. Current Maryland law states that a pet owner may receive compensatory damages for an injury or death of a pet but those damages are capped at $7,500. If the pet is killed as a result of the actions of the person and/or the person’s pet, then the compensatory damages are equal to the fair market value of the pet before its death and any reasonable or necessary costs associated with veterinary care. If the pet is injured, then the compensatory damages equal any reasonable or necessary costs associated with veterinary care not to exceed $7,500. Senate Bill 143 looks to remove the cap of $7500 in the event of the pet’s injuries or death.

Those Affected by the Law

The law also makes the distinction regarding who may be implicated by this statute. First and foremost, the animal that is considered a “pet” is any domesticated animal, and not one that would be considered livestock. Additionally, the person who may be forced to pay the compensatory damages for the injury or death of a pet may be responsible in the event that his or her actions led to the death or injury of the pet or as a result of an animal that is owned, controlled, or directed by the person involved. This implicates not only the owner of the pet that might have attacked, injured, and/or killed the pet but also someone who may be in control of the dog at the time, like a professional dog walker.

Charles County, MD Personal Injury Lawyers that Fight for You

If your pet, or a loved one has been attacked by an animal and has been injured and killed as a result of the attack, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Please call the Law Office of Robert R. Castro at (301) 804-2312 for a confidential consultation.

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