On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the New Hampshire (NH) House Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on HB 593, which seeks to expand the relationships eligible for “loss of consortium” damages.
House Bill 593 would (1) newly define “loss of consortium” as the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support of a pet as equal to that suffered by the loss of one’s spouse; (2) entitle a pet owner to recover damages for loss or impairment of right of consortium involving the death of that person’s pet when caused intentionally or recklessly, including by any law enforcement officer; and (3) diminish the award of damages based upon any fault for injury found to have been caused by the pet owner claiming damages.
“Loss of consortium” refers to the loss or impairment of the intangible benefits of a relationship, typically between spouses. When death or serious impairment is caused by a bad actor, a victims’ loved ones may be able to recover reasonable damages arising from their loss of consortium. These types of damages are not available for loss or damage caused to property.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 593. Yes, dogs are such a beloved part of our lives that it is common for owners to consider dogs as part of the family; but allowing “loss of consortium” types of legal awards in cases involving injury to pets will have many unintended consequences, and may actually harm pets. It is crucial that animals continue to enjoy the protections afforded by their traditional legal treatment as property and not given legal rights reserved for humans. Details on how non-economic damages claims (including loss of consortium) ultimately harm general animal wellbeing can be viewed here.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: New Hampshire residents are strongly encouraged to electronically register your opposition by emailing members of the House Judiciary Committee. Although HB 593 may be well-intentioned, consider sharing the following points:
- Categorizing pets as legal family members instead of property would result in harmful consequences.
- New Hampshire law already protects pets by imposing rights and responsibilities on owners to provide care and allows owners to be compensated when their pet is intentionally or negligently killed or injured.
- Confusing the long-standing classification of pets as legal property would destabilize a criminal system that deters animal abuse; and civil laws that promote innovative, affordable, and quality animal care.
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR OPPOSITION:
- Email committee members using “Oppose HB 593” in your email subject line.
- In your email, identify what city/town you’re emailing from.
- Send your email to all members of the committee by copying the addresses below.
State Representative Bob Lynn, Chair – rjlynn4@gmail.com
State Representative Dennis Mannion, Vice Chair – Dennis.Mannion@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Katy Peternel, Clerk – Katy.Peternel@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Joe Alexander – Joe.Alexander@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Louise Andrus – Louise.Andrus@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Katelyn Kuttab – Katelyn.Kuttab@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Donald McFarlane – Donald.McFarlane@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Jonathan Morton – Jonathan.Morton@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Timothy Horrigan – Timothy.Horrigan@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Paul Berch – Paul.Berch@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Catherine Rombeau – Catherine.Rombeau@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Zoe Manos – zoe.manos@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Dan Bergeron – Dan.Bergeron@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Mark Paige – mark.paige@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Kristine Perez – Kristine.Perez@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Marjorie Smith – msmithpen@aol.com
State Representative Richard Tripp – Richard.Tripp@gc.nh.gov
State Representative Eric Turer – Eric.Turer@gc.nh.gov
4. You may register your opposition on the New Hampshire General Court’s website available After providing your personal information, select the February 12 hearing date. Using the drop-down menus, select the House Judiciary Committee and 1:45PM HB 593 in order to register your opposition to the bill.
5. You may speak in person at the February 12, 2025, House Committee hearing in Room 206-208 of the Legislative Office Building, 33 North State Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301. Sign in to testify when you arrive. The hearing on HB 593 starts at 1:45PM.
For more information on these or other legislative issues in New Hampshire, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the Dog Owners of the Granite State at dogs.nh@gmail.com.