Putting a Price on the Love of a Pet
In the land of the free the same thing can happen to a dog as here:
A summer thunderstorm hit the Fort Worth area, and spooked Avery enough that he bolted from the Medlens’ backyard and was picked up by Fort Worth Animal care and Control. The Medlens went to the shelter to get Avery back but didn’t have enough cash with them to pay the fee, so they were forced to return and Avery was given a “hold for owner” tag. When the Medlens returned to pick up Avery though, they were told that due to a mix-up, Avery had ended up on the list of unwanted dogs to be euthanized and had been put to sleep.
They sued for damaged, and after a long battle, the courts finally agreed that:
On November 3, 2011, Judge Lee Gabriel of the Second District of Texas Court of Appeals decided that the Medlens were within their rights to sue. In the ruling he stated “Dogs are unconditionally devoted to their owners,” and that “the special value of man’s best friend should be protected.” Randy Turner said that this is the first time in Texas history that owners may sue for the sentimental value of a pet. Turner (who is representing the Medlens pro bono) said “…more than 50 percent of Americans would risk their lives to save their dog…After Hurricane Katrina, people wouldn’t leave because they wouldn’t leave their dogs or cats. I defy you to find a piece of property that people value more than their pets. It can’t be done.”