Companion animals; Pets are not Plates

There has been a drive to show that pet animals such as dogs and cats should not be classified as property and as sentient beings.

By definition, sentient is; responsive or conscious of sense impressions. Aware.  Finely sensitive in perception or feeling. (webster's.)

Any pet owner will not argue the fact that their beloved pet is attuned to them as a member of their family and will not consider them as property. 


They respond when called.  They have to be fed and cared for.  They have definitive personalities. They run around the house.  They might even like a stroll in the park or ride in the car.

There was a comparison that stated a pet was property, much like a couch.

My couch requires a cleaning now and then, not much more.  No feeding, no brushing, not much of a conversationalist, no one for long walks.

I can tear my couch apart with no legal issues, but there are charges involved if I maliciously injure my pet.  So if pets are property, why are there charges for the animals if they get intentionally “damaged”?

Usually, if there is an issue of replacement of a pet, it involves the cost that the owner paid for the pet originally and the sentimental value of the relationship between the owner and the pet was not taken into consideration.  Even so, courts are now recognizing the companionship between the pet and the owner and expressing discomfort in making their decision based on existing laws dictating the pets are property.

Recently, the relationship between a pet and the owner has been redefined by some jurisdictions. 

Owners are now defined as “guardians” in some cities and some legislation will allow recovering damages from negligent veterinarian care and intentional animal abusers. (story) 


So, instead of buying the pet, you should be “adopting” or “rescuing” them, implying that the pet is a child or family member.(idausa.org).  (You should be looking to adopt from a shelter anyways, those pets seem to be extremely grateful to be rescued).

You might also consider contacting your legislator about changing the laws here regarding your family member. (check here)


Need an idea to check out for a future family member?  Check out Colossal Canine Care for some possibilities.  They are a no-kill shelter and screen potential “guardians” and their residence for the compatibility of the new family member at www.facebook.com/CCCFoundation.  Or contact the VegasNewsReview.com team at 702-727-4210