A Brooklyn Supreme Court judge has ruled that pet dogs can be considered immediate family under New York law, allowing owners to seek compensation for emotional distress following their loss. This ruling came after a dachshund named Duke was killed by a car while being walked. The owner, who was present, can now pursue damages typically limited to human family members. Legal experts view this as a significant shift in recognizing pets' emotional value within families, reflecting evolving societal views on animal companionship.
"The legal status of animals is currently undergoing a really important transformation, and this is part of a larger shift in how society views pets and household animals."
"This new ruling allows pet owners to seek compensation for emotional distress due to the loss of a pet, a benefit previously reserved for human family members."
Collection
[
|
...
]