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Committee hears bid to allow loss‑of‑consortium damages for pets; opponents warn of broad legal consequences
Summary
Representative Ellen Reed proposed HB 593 to define "loss of consortium" and to allow limited non‑economic damages when a companion animal is negligently or intentionally killed; supporters cited grief and public‑safety incentives, while kennel and dog‑owner organizations warned the change could reclassify animals and spur costly litigation.
Representative Ellen Reed told the Judiciary Committee HB 593 would define "loss of consortium" and extend a cause of action to the loss of a spouse and to a person’s companion animal. Reed said current law limits remedies for a lost pet to replacement (market) value, which she argued fails to recognize the emotional and practical value animals provide to many families.
Reed presented a definition of loss of consortium that includes "loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection,…
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