On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee will consider a bill that would allow a person to receive “non-economic” damages for mental anguish, fright and shock, and loss of companionship caused by the injury or death of their service animal. Although such feel-good concepts may sound benign, they not only represent a potential change in the legal status of animals (animal rights), but would also significantly increase the cost of care for all animals, ultimately undermining the ability of pet owners to care for their pets.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Michigan residents to contact the committee today to express your opposition to House Bill 5525.
SUMMARY AND TALKING POINTS:
HB 5525 states that a person is liable for “noneconomic” damages for causing physical injury or death to a service animal. AKC agrees that paying damages for veterinary care, the value of the animal (in the case of death), and even punitive damages in certain cases, is appropriate. However, this bill also states that a person is liable for non-economic damages for mental anguish, fright and shock, and loss of companionship suffered by the owner as a result of the injury or death of the service animal caused by that person.
AKC understands the emotional pain that can result when a beloved dog is injured or killed. However, AKC opposes the awarding of non-economic damages related to the injury or death of an animal. First, non-economic damages are not typically available for damage or destruction of personal property, like animals. Instead, they can be claimed only by the close family of victims who have died or who have been severely injured. AKC has long been concerned that allowing non-economic damages for pets will implicitly bring into question the legal status of pets as property. The legal concept that animals are personal property protects pet ownership practices and the rights of pet owners. A change in the legal status of animals could result in restricting the rights of owners, veterinarians, and government agencies to protect and care for dogs.
Second, allowing such damages will increase liability exposure for anyone in the animal care chain, which will result in increases in costs of insurance necessary to cover for such damages. As a result, animal owners will bear the higher costs of pet care to be received across the entire spectrum of animal care providers.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY:
Contact the House Judiciary Committee prior to the May 22, 2024, hearing. Respectfully ask them to oppose House Bill 5525. If you are a constituent of a committee member, please let them know when you reach out. Please find committee member contact information below:
Kelly Breen, Chair (Novi)
Phone: (517) 373-2575
Email: KellyBreen@house.mi.gov
Kimberly Edwards, Vice Chair (Eastpointe)
Phone: (517) 373-0852
Email: KimberlyEdwards@house.mi.gov
Andrew Fink, Minority Vice Chair (Hillsdale)
Phone: (517) 373-1788
Email: AndrewFink@house.mi.gov
Noah Arbit (West Bloomfield)
Phone: (517) 373-3816
Email: NoahArbit@house.mi.gov
Tyrone Carter (Detroit)
Phone: (517) 373-0154
Email: TyroneCarter@house.mi.gov
Emily Dievendorf (Lansing)
Phone: (517) 373-2277
Email: EmilyDievendorf@house.mi.gov
Kara Hope (Holt)
Phone: (517) 373-8900
Email: KaraHope@house.mi.gov
Jason Hoskins (Southfield)
Phone: (517) 373-1180
Email: JasonHoskins@house.mi.gov
Gina Johnsen (Lansing)
Phone: (517) 373-1796
Email: GinaJohnsen@house.mi.gov
Pat Outman (Six Lakes)
Phone: (517) 373-3436
Email: PatOutman@house.mi.gov
Penelope Tsernoglou (East Lansing)
Phone: (517) 373-2668
Email: PenelopeTsernoglou@house.mi.gov
Pauline Wendzel (Watervilet)
Phone: (517) 373-1799
Email: PaulineWendzel@house.mi.gov
Doug Wozniak (Shelby Township)
Phone: (517) 373-0832
Email: DouglasWozniak@house.mi.gov
AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to provide updates on Michigan legislation, as necessary. For more information on this or other legislative issues in Michigan, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.