Maryland Legislature Considers an Increase of the Damages Available for Injured or Killed Pets

Maryland law allows individuals to recover reasonable veterinary expenses for injuries to a pet, with the fair market value of the pet being available should it die from its injuries.  At present, the Maryland legislature is considering a law that, if passed, would raise the compensatory damages cap for such claims.  The current limit of $10,000 would be increased to $25,000 should the proposed law be enacted.  The House Bill, nicknamed “Buddy’s Law,” reportedly was introduced after a high-profile case where a family’s dog was shot by a neighbor, resulting in $29,000 in veterinary and legal costs.

The proposed legislation is pending in both the House and Senate.  Both bills (House Bill No. 154 and Senate Bill No. 292) are currently before the Judiciary Committee of their respective chambers.

Questions regarding this advisory can be directed to Ryan Stanley, an associate in TT&H’s Washington, DC office, or Ben Peoples, a partner in the same office.  Ryan can be reached at (202) 945-9504 or rstanley@tthlaw.com, while Ben can be reached at (202) 945-9501 or cpeoples@tthlaw.com.  Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP is a regional civil litigation firm with over 80 lawyers in ten offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.