Most pet owners love their pets more, in some instances as much or perhaps even more than a human being. They look upon their pets as life long
companions and as friends.
These friends loyal, they offer comfort, empathy, support, and unconditional love. In turn pet owners treat their pets with great affection and offer the best they can afford and sometimes the best, even if they can not afford it.
Divorces often lead to fierce bitter battles over the custody of an animal. Sometimes divorcees spent as much money fighting over the custody of a cat or dog, or other animal as they do fighting over custody of their children. Some divorces are even initiated as result of a pet and it is not unusual for unmarried couples to end their relationships over pets.
When our pets get sick it is not unusual for pet owners to spend hundreds or even thousand in medical treatment. Some of us even forego medical care for ourselves, but not for our pets. For whatever reasons, we love our pets so much we are willing to sacrifice other things to insure our pets are cared for.
Some of you may have heard of outrageous donations made by the general public for an injured animal or a lost dog. We have seen vast resources spent fetching a puppy out of a gutter or a rescuing a cat from a hole. We have seen men and women risk their lives rescuing cats from trees. More often than not a cry, for help for a young child needing medical care falls on deaf ears, but the same is not true for a puppy needing surgery. Donations for animals, more often than not, will beat donations for our fellow human beings. Regardless of any one's individual feelings, pets are highly regarded and any type of abuse or suggestion of abuse can lead to dire consequences.
So, how does the legal system treat pets? How much are you entitled to get from a tortfeasor that injures or kills your cat or dog or other pet ? In recent weeks tens of thousands of pet owners throughout the country have been asking about this very question. They want to know about their rights as pet owners and about the individual rights of their pets.
Tainted pet food has made its way throughout the country and allegedly killing or making cats and dogs sick throughout the country. Some owners look upon their ill companions and wonder about how much they are suffering or have suffered and contemplate the idea of a lawsuit. Some have gone further and have discussed the matter with an attorney, and further still some have retained attorneys and have actually filed lawsuits.
What most pet owners are surprised to find out is that despite our relationship with our pets the laws do not reflect the same degree of protection for out pets. For the most part pets are not much different than any other item in your home.
There are no personal injury rights for animals and a lawsuit cannot be brought on behalf of the pet for personal injury. Even if an animal's pain and suffering is real, it is not a cause of action, meaning they cannot sue and pet owner cannot sue on their behalf.
Related Articles
The Wrong-way Driving Accident Epidemic in Washington State
By: Christopher Davis | 03/03/2008 | Law
There seems to be a sudden increase in wrong-way driving accidents occurring in the metro Seattle area. Not only have we have noticed more of these types of accidents being reported in the news, but lately we've received several inquires from wrong-way accident victims. So we decided to look into the matter to find out just how big of a problem wrong-way driving is in Washington State. What we discovered was somewhat surprising.
Diesel Exhaust-related Deaths
By: Peter Kent | 30/03/2008 | Business
Thousands of Americans are at risk of being exposed to diesel exhaust, especially those who work in or around diesel exhaust such as railroad workers. For years, the risks of chronic exposure have been studied but disregarded by many, although diesel exhaust can be the cause of many conditions including cancer.
Easter Candy Can Kill Your Pet!
By: D. Marie Ratliff | 07/04/2006 | Pets
For millions of families, the celebration of Easter includes Easter baskets filled with sweet treats galore — chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, sugary jelly beans and snack-size versions of nearly every candy product imaginable.
Is Your Dog Terrified Of Fireworks?
By: Matthew Homfray | 29/10/2006 | Pets
A guide to helping your dog overcome his/her fear of fireworks, both in the short and long term.
Disaster Preparedness for your Pet: After a Disaster
By: Matthew Homfray | 16/11/2006 | Pets
This article describes what you can do to protect your pet after a natural or man made disaster strikes, when pets are often at their most vulnerable.
Do You Have Pet Insurance? If Not, You Should Seriously Consider It
By: Jean Morgan | 15/04/2007 | Pets
Most Americans know and understand the importance of health insurance coverage, but very few realize the importance of that same coverage for their pets. Just as you need to go to the doctor for routine and preventative care, so does your pet. If you get seriously ill or injured, you...
Pet First Aid Kit
By: Carol Osborne | 11/07/2007 | Pets
It is important that you be able to assess your pet's physical condition in order to evaluate his needs, especially since many animals are stoic and will not show pain or discomfort.
Toxic Owners 2 - Fat Pets
By: Debbie Connolly | 27/03/2008 | Pets
Why are there so many overweight pets? The pets don't do the shopping or buy the food so what is really happening? Is your pet fat on purpose?
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Revolked drivers licence
By: bosslady12 | 27-04-2008
ifthe state of florida revolks your licence for back child support well you ever get them back
Dog health problem
By: corine4j | 27-04-2008
My dog has been playing outside a lot this weekend and he's been throwing up for 2 days now,what can I give him>
No signed contract with Estate Agents
By: lou22 | 27-04-2008
Hello Our house was on the market and the estate agents introduced a buyer, they had to pull out eventually and we took the house off the market. 3 months later the original buyers came back and said they were in a position to proceed. We sold the property to them, the agents want their 1%. However it would appear that we never signed a contract with the agents and I were never sent a copy of it....Do we have to pay
Notice to quit after being a tenant for 40 years
By: inklady | 27-04-2008
My friend lives in horsham in w sussex his wife recently left him and she gave notice to quit he now has recieved notice to quit . He has lived in a 3 bedroom house for the past forty years ,he now is disabled and is on the verge of a breakdown,although he has been offered a bedsit in sheltered accomodation he would be happy to go if it were a flat .He has been told there is nothing available surely they could allow him to stay in his accomodation until one becomes available.The only alternative hes got at the moment is to present himself to the counci homeless and go into a hostel i am worried he may do something silly as he is in a mess at the moment please advise
Scratched by stray cat
By: fatherof5children | 25-04-2008
My daughter was petting a stray cat today when the cat scratched her. She has a superficial scratch on her hand. I have cleaned the scratch with soap and have put antibiotic ointment on it. Do I need to worry about taking her to the doctor?
Who pays for my medical, pain & suffering if the ...
By: RTMingo | 25-04-2008
Who pays for my medical, pain & suffering if the other driver is not at fault & I'm not at fault?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Pets Articles
Dog Training Career: What Is Involved?
By: Pat Doyle | 13/05/2008
A dog training career may be just right for you, if you love working with dogs. Dogs of all ages, from puppies to older dogs, need training, and their owners often don't know how to train them. They look for a professional dog trainer to do the job.
If...
Things to Consider in Buying a Dog House
By: Jennifer Johnson | 13/05/2008
Historically, dog houses have been hand-made from materials that could be scraped such as wood and plastic. Through time, the dog house industry had grown.
What Doggie Outfit is in Fashion
By: Molly Redman | 13/05/2008
This article tells about recent fashionable suggestions for different breeds of dogs. It gives hints where and what to buy for your favorite pet.
Top 4 Dog Training Tips
By: Carlos Antonio M. Cruz | 13/05/2008
Want to know the best dog training tips? Here are the top four dog training tips that every dog lover should know.
Which Pet Door You Choose for Your Pet?
By: Tsuyoshi E. Suzuki | 12/05/2008
Dog doors and cat doors provide your pets with the freedom to come and go as they please without requiring you to let them in and out every time. Selecting a quality pet door can help save energy during the hot and cold seasons. Dogs that spend too much of their early life confined in an unclean area - where appropriate space for bladder relief isn't consistently available - may learn to tolerate pottying indoors.
Look Here For A Dog Breed Best Suited For You
By: Lamar Deane | 12/05/2008
Dog breeds are certain types of dogs which have distinctive looks and temperament. Dog breeds can reveal a lot about the size, appearance, and personality of a canine. Doing research to find out which dog breed will suit your personality and lifestyle is essential. Dog breeds are plentiful and you...
Discover Which Dog Breed Is Best Suited For You
By: Lamar Deane | 12/05/2008
The decision to getting a dog should be thought out first. Getting a dog can be a happy occasion that bring joy to a persons life, if they get the right dog suited for them.
The first thing is to look at different dog breeds. There are over 400 different dog...
Ohio University - Sourthern Campus - Equine Studies Program
By: Ron Petracek | 12/05/2008
Ohio University Southern Campus is located in Ironton, Ohio and is a four-year public university that offers both Associate's and Bachelor's degrees. For those students who are seeking a degree in equine studies, OU Southern offers an Associate's in Applied Science Degree in Equine Studies. This program has been developed...
Home and Family 
