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PRINTER'S NO. 586
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
593
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, COSTA, FARNESE AND RAFFERTY,
MARCH 6, 2015
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, MARCH 6, 2015
AN ACT
Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rights of action,
providing for liability for intentional or negligent killing
of pet by another.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
ยง 8320.1. Liability for intentional or negligent killing of a
pet by another.
(a) Unlawful or intentional acts.--In addition to the
damages authorized in subsection (c), if a person's pet is
killed or sustains injuries that result in death caused by the
unlawful or intentional act of another or the animal of another,
the trier of fact may find the individual causing the death or
the owner of the animal causing the death liable for up to
$12,000 in noneconomic damages as compensation for the loss of
the reasonably expected society, companionship, love and
affection of the pet.
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(b) Negligent acts.--In addition to the damages authorized
in subsection (c), if a person's pet is killed or sustains
injuries that result in death caused by the negligent act of
another or the animal of another, the trier of fact may find the
individual causing the death or the owner of the animal causing
the death liable for up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages as
compensation for the loss of the reasonably expected society,
companionship, love and affection of the pet, provided that the
death or injury occurs on the property of the owner or caretaker
whose pet was killed or injured or while under the control and
supervision of the deceased pet's owner or caretaker.
(c) Specific damages for guide dogs.--If an intentional or
negligent act described in this section results in the death or
permanent injury to a person's guide dog, the value of the guide
dog shall include, but not be limited to, the cost of the guide
dog as well as the costs of any specialized training the guide
dog received.
(d) Effect on other actions.--The limits for noneconomic
damages specified in this section shall not apply or limit
damages in any causes of action for intentional infliction of
emotional distress or any other civil action other than the
direct and sole loss of a pet as authorized by this section.
(e) Inapplicability.--This section shall not apply to:
(1) Any not-for-profit entity or governmental agency, or
its employees, which negligently causes the death of a pet
while acting on behalf of public health or animal welfare.
(2) Any killing of a dog that has been or was killing or
pursuing with the apparent intent to harm livestock.
(f) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to authorize any award of noneconomic damages in an
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action for professional negligence against any licensed
veterinarian acting within the scope of his duties.
(g) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "pet"
means any domesticated dog or cat normally maintained in or near
the house of its owner.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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