Colorado Lawmakers: Cats, Dogs Like Friends
Several Colorado lawmakers are supporting legislation to elevate the status of cats and dogs from property to companions.
The measure would allow people to sue veterinarians and animal abusers and seek damages for “loss of companionship,” up to $100,000.
Colorado has more than 2 million dogs and cats in 1.6 million households.
Current law classifies them as property, and pet owners can seek only “fair market value” in a lawsuit.
If passed, it would be the first such companionship law in the nation, said lawyer Josh Pazour.
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