The Texas Supreme court is taking the leash on a sensitive dog-ownership topic. They are currently reviewing the ability for dog owners to sue on the basis of "emotional hardship" suffered after losing a pet to negligence.
In essence, the court could begin awarding owners a payout based on the value of their loss-- the dog.
According to Dallas News, "(The review) comes after a Fort Worth animal shelter mistakenly euthanized a beloved — but essentially worthless, in terms of actual market value — family Labrador retriever named Avery who ran away from home in 2009."
On one side, supporters say that the loss of a pet should entitle them to sue in certain situations.
But on the other hand, veterinarians and lawmakers are hesitant to open that door.
"Where do we draw the line?" Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd asked from the bench. "Cats? Fish? Birds?"
Also expressed was the statement that "letting juries somehow calculate sentimental payouts would set a costly precedent that would ripple nationwide."
Pets of all kinds are presently seen as property, but owners do not have any legal stance should their dog be shot by a police officer or euthanized in error.
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