Advocates press committee for limited non‑economic awards when pets are negligently harmed

Rep. Nore and Rep. Breen presented House Bill 7,545 to allow juries to award non‑economic damages when a companion animal is negligently or intentionally injured or killed.

Kristen Bridal, who testified about her dog's fatal outcome after an alleged surgical error, said monetary awards do not undo the loss but acknowledge the emotional and welfare harms pet owners endure. "There's actually no amount of money that would make this better," she told the committee, asking lawmakers to recognize pets as family members and to create guardrails for animal welfare.

The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association cautioned the committee that expanded non‑economic awards could raise the cost of veterinary care, reduce willingness to take complicated cases and potentially exacerbate workforce shortages in veterinary medicine. Dr. Ralph Pratt said increased damage awards could prompt defensive medicine or reduce access to care if insurers and veterinarians respond by raising prices or exiting markets.

Supporters said the bill mirrors a national trend of states moving away from treating pets strictly as chattel and noted recent enactments in other states. The committee heard both the emotional case for legal recognition and practical concerns about access and cost; members closed testimony and will consider drafting details and damage limits in follow‑up work.