Yesterday, Tuesday June 10, the Delaware Senate passed a bill that would remove the “Sunset” provision in current law that allows a person to receive compensatory damages for which a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet is liable.
Under current law, a person is entitled to compensatory damages of the fair market value of the pet before death and the reasonable and necessary cost of veterinary care. Or, in the case of an injury to a pet, the reasonable and necessary cost of veterinary care. Unless otherwise extended, these provisions expire on October 14, 2025. See previous alert.
Senate Bill 118 removes the sunset provision, allowing pet owners to continue to pursue compensatory damages without limitation for veterinary bills incurred to care for a pet that was injured by the negligence, reckless, or intentional acts of another individual or that individual’s pet.
The bill now goes to the House Judiciary Committee where it is awaiting a committee hearing.
Those who wish to comment may do the following:
Contact the House Judiciary Committee members (click on member’s name) and share your comments on the bill with them.
Contact individual members of the House of Representatives (click on member’s name) and share your comments with them.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor legislation in Delaware impacting dog owners. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.