OP-ED: Court Ruling Sets Pet Industry on a Dangerous Path
PETS+ published an opinion column warning that a recent New York court ruling allowing emotional distress damages for the death of a pet could set a precedent that increases legal liability across the pet care sector, raising costs for veterinary care, pet products, shelters, and other animal-related businesses. The piece argues that expanding non-economic damages in cases involving pets could ultimately make pet ownership less affordable and reduce access to care.
“Radical changes to the law and out-of-control damages for injuries to our animals lead to rising costs for pets and pet services that are passed on to pet owners, who are already facing a pet affordability crisis,” Sandy Moore, CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, writes.
“Higher liability costs and undefined legal risks lead to higher consumer costs that lead to fewer people owning pets.”