On Tuesday, May 18, the New York Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. Although such concepts may sound benign, they represent a potential change in the legal status of animals (animal rights) and would increase the cost of care significantly; ultimately undermining the ability of pet owners to care for their pets.
AKC encourages New Yorkers to contact the committee today to express your opposition to Senate Bill 6027.
Summary and Talking Points:
S. 6027 states that a person is liable for damages for negligently, recklessly, or intentionally causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to a companion animal. AKC agrees that paying damages for veterinary care or the value of the animal (in the case of death) is appropriate. However, this bill also states that the person is liable for damages for mental distress or emotional harm suffered by the owner or any member of their household as a result of the injury or death of the companion animal.
The AKC understands the pain and trauma that can result when a beloved pet is injured or killed. However, AKC opposes the awarding of non-economic damages related to a pet because such damages are not typically available for personal property. Allowing non-economic damages for pets calls into question the legal status of pets as property. The legal concept that pets are personal property protects pet ownership and the rights of pet owners. A change in the legal status of animals could result in restricting the rights of owners, veterinarians, and government agencies to protect and care for dogs.
Additionally, allowing such damages and the resulting practitioner insurance necessary to cover for such damages will significantly increase the cost of pet care across the entire spectrum of animal care providers.
Leading animal organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Animal Health Institute join AKC in opposing laws that permit non-economic (pain and distress) damages for the loss of a pet.
For more information on the issue of non-economic damages, please read AKC’s issue analysis about Non-Economic Damages and view the Legal Status of Animals “Key Issue” page in the Legislative Action Center.
Contact the Senate Judiciary Committee prior to the May 18 hearing. Respectfully ask them to oppose Senate Bill 6027. If you are a constituent of a committee member, use the form provided to contact them. Otherwise, use the following contact information:
Brad Hoylman, Chair (Manhattan)
Albany Phone: (518)455-2451
District Phone: (212)633-8052
Email: hoylman@nysenate.gov
Jamaal Bailey (Bronx)
Albany Phone: (518)455-2061
District Phone: (718)547-8854
Email: senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov
Alessandra Biaggi (Bronx)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3595
District Phone: (718)822-2049
Email: biaggi@nysenate.gov
Philip Boyle (Bay Shore)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3411
District Phone: (631)665-2311
Email: pboyle@nysenate.gov
Neil Breslin (Albany)
Albany/District Phone: (518)455-2225
Email: breslin@nysenate.gov
Andrew Gounardes (Brooklyn)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3270
District Phone: (718)238-6044
Email: gounardes@nysenate.gov
Anna Kaplan (Carle Place)
Albany Phone: (518)455-2170
District Phone: (516)746-5924
Email: kaplan@nysenate.gov
Andrew Lanza (Staten Island)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3215
District Phone: (718)984-4073
Email: lanza@nysenate.gov
Zellnor Myrie (Brooklyn)
Albany Phone: (518)455-2410
District Phone: (718)284-4700
Email: myrie@nysenate.gov
Peter Oberacker (Oneonta)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3131
District Phone: (607)432-5524
Email: oberacker@nysenate.gov
Thomas O’Mara (Elmira)
Albany Phone: (518)455-2091
District Phone: (607)735-9671
Email: omara@nysenate.gov
Anthony Palumbo (Mt. Sinai)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3121
District Phone: (631)473-1461
Email: palumbo@nysenate.gov
James Skoufis (Newburgh)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3290
District Phone: (845)567-1270
Email: skoufis@nysenate.gov
Toby Ann Stavisky (Flushing)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3461
District Phone: (718)445-0004
Email: stavisky@nysenate.gov
Kevin Thomas (Garden City)
Albany Phone: (518)455-3260
District Phone: (516)739-1700
Email: thomas@nysenate.gov
For more information, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at doglaw@akc.org.