Vermont Ponders Pet Death Damages Bill

The Vermont Senate is considering a bill that would allow pet owners to recover noneconomic damages for emotional stress resulting from the death of a pet.

The bill, SB 240, introduced in January by Senators Vincent Illuzzi and Dick McCormack reads, “If a person intentionally or recklessly causes the death of a domestic pet…the court may hold the person liable to the pet owner for noneconomic damages for emotional distress resulting from the loss of the reasonably expected companionship, love, and affection of the domestic pet.”

The bill has been placed in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but a hearing has not been set.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council opposes the bill, saying it could subject breeders, pet product manufacturers, retailers, veterinarians and others to excessive claims and would raise the cost of companion animals for the public. The council advised interested parties to contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and voice their opposition to the measure.