The New Jersey legislature is considering legislation granting owners of pets harmed by contaminated pet food the right to sue for the loss of companionship and claim damages of up to $15,000.
The measure, passed unanimously by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in late May, is the latest effort to let aggrieved pet owners sue for noneconomic damages when a pet is hurt or killed.
If the bill were enacted, New Jersey would join Illinois and Tennessee as the only states allowing such lawsuits, in limited circumstances.
Assembly Deputy Speaker Neil Cohen introduced the legislation (A.B. 4217) in the wake of the massive recall of adulterated pet food begun by Menu Foods Inc., a Canadian-based manufacturer. More than 100 brands were found to have been adulterated by melamine, which is associated with kidney problems in cats and dogs. At least 50 class action lawsuits have been filed against Menu Foods.
Under U.S. law, animals are classified as property. Although animal abuse or theft of pets can result in criminal charges with fines and even jail time, civil law allows plaintiffs to recover only economic damages when a pet is hurt or killed.
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