The purpose of this petition is to ask the state of Arkansas to recognize “sentimental value” in a court’s assessment of damages in cases of pet injuries or losses.

Most of us have had a pet at one point or another in our lives. Many of us grew up with one, or many, and can attest that our pets are part of our family. And over the years, we have seen pets achieve higher and higher status as valued members of our society. Pet owners value their furry children and often go to many lengths to provide the best they can offer - everything from basic grooming and beauty treatments to luxury pet hotels & spas.

However, it wasn’t until we recently faced the horrific death of our Lhasa Apso at a local doggy daycare business that we realized the imbalance that exists between society’s growing valuation of our pet family members and the value that is defined in our state law, which continues to define animals as property. This strict definition does not allow a grieving pet owner to recoup any damages aside from the “fair market value” of their dearly departed companion, regardless of the negligence or wrong-doing of another party involved in the injury or loss.

We are not asking to change the definition of animals as property in the state of Arkansas.  We are asking that Arkansas courts have the right to award punitive damages as compensation to pet owners who have suffered a loss.

• An example of this is the state of Tennessee where pet owners are able to recover up to $5000 in damages for the loss of the pet’s “society, companionship, love and affection.” (Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-17-403)

We all know that there is no amount of money that will bring back a pet gone too soon, but courts and pet owners alike should have the right to recognize the true value of the bond established between humans and their companion animals.

Thank you for your consideration.