Support DC Legislation Allowing Recovery for Non-Economic Damages (e.g., Loss of Companionship) when a Pet is Killed/Dies as a Result of Gross Negligence of Vet, or Intentional Acts of Bad Faith

To:  DC City Council

YES!! I support the provisions of the Animal Protection Amendment Act of 2007 that would permit a pet owner to recover non-economic damages from a veterinarian when the veterinarian is judged to have committed GROSS NEGLIGENCE that resulted in the death of the pet, or is judged to have committed INTENTIONAL acts in BAD FAITH that killed the pet.

BACKGROUND:

The Animal Protection Amendment Act of 2007, currently under review by the DC City Council, has provisions which would allow a pet owner to recover non-economic damages when a pet dies because of gross negligence committed by a veterinarian ($2,000 cap), or intentional acts committed in bad faith by a veterinarian (i.e., not euthanasia) that kills the pet ($7,500 cap).

CURRENTLY, PET OWNERS HAVE NO SUCH RECOURSE IF THESE HORRIBLE ACTS ARE COMMITTED BY THEIR VETS.

The specific language is as follows:

If any licensed veterinarian with gross negligence or in bad faith, and without authority of law, kills or causes the death of another person’s companion animal while engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, then such licensed veterinarian shall be liable to the guardian/owner of the companion animal for:

1) Economic damages, including veterinary bills, reasonable burial or cremation expenses, court costs, and attorney fees.

2) Noneconomic damages, not exceeding $7,500 for intentional acts and not exceeding $2,000 for acts of gross negligence, for the loss of the society, companionship, comfort, protection, love, affection, and services of the
companion animal reasonably expected by the guardian/owner.”

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Support DC Legislation Allowing Recovery for Non-Economic Damages (e.g., Loss of Companionship) when a Pet is Killed/Dies as a Result of Gross Negligence of Vet, or Intentional Acts of Bad Faith Petition to DC City Council was created by Pet Owners and written by Stefani Olsen (Help@TheTooncesProject.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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