Presently, the state of California treats domestic pets as chattel, (personal property). Thus , if your pet is injured or killed due to someone’s negligence you cannot receive damages for your emotional pain and suffering.

The California Supreme Court has stated regarding dogs: "there are no other domestic animals to which the owner or his family can become more strongly attached, or the loss of which will be more keenly felt.” We have come a long way from the old common law concept of a dog not even being considered property. Not only is he more than property today, he is the subject of sonnets, the object of song, the symbol of loyalty.  Indeed, he is man’s best friend.”

The Court has recognized this special relationship and We, the citizens of the State of California, hereby request that the present law classifying them as personal property be changed. Pets are family members and deserve to be treated as such when someone injures them.