Pet owners could sue paid care businesses for animal harm

Owners could sue paid pet care businesses in federal court. It covers domesticated mammals usually kept as household pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. It excludes livestock and nonmammals. The harm, neglect, or death must happen while the business holds or cares for the animal. Covered businesses provide paid services such as boarding, grooming, and training.

Federal courts could award owners money for direct costs and emotional harm. This applies when a covered animal is harmed, neglected, or dies while held or cared for by a paid pet care business. The court would decide the amount. Owners could also recover court costs and reasonable lawyer fees.

A conviction would bring certain other parties under the lawsuit rule. It covers only parties identified in two parts of another section of the Animal Welfare Act. They must be convicted of putting down a covered animal in violation of state or local law where they are located.