Texas Court Rules Pets Have Sentimental Value, Not Just Market Worth

In what could be a landmark decision, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that a Texas court has ruled that pets not only have market worth, but that they also have sentimental value in the court of law.

The lawsuit came about after an incident involving Texas residents Jeremy and Katherine Medlen and their family dog, Avery. Avery, who was well-loved and adored his human pet parents, wound up escaping from their home two years ago after being spooked by a thunder storm. He was scooped up by animal control, and was found at the local animal shelter the next day, where the whole situation should have been resolved.

But due to an unfortunate series of events ranging from Medlen not having enough cash in his pocket at the moment to cover Avery’s pick up charge that day, and having to wait three days for the vet to place a microchip into Avery's ear, the dog was placed on the shelter's euthanasia list and put down. Katherine said, "It was a horrible time for us. I've never lost a family member or a pet before."

Hoping to prevent a situation like this from ever happening again to anyone's pet, the Medlens took their case to court.  The astounding result of their action was a ground-breaking ruling made this month by the a panel of Judges of the Texas Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth; for the first time, the court ruled that pets have just as great a sentimental value as their market worth. In this writer’s opinion, the decision showed that these judges have hearts as big as all of Texas. It is an especially significant decision given that historically, lawsuits involving animals were ruled by Texas courts based only upon the animal’s market value, never taking into consideration its sentimental value.

The ruling from the Texas Second Court of Appeals read: "Dogs are unconditionally devoted to their owners. We interpret timeworn Supreme Court law to acknowledge that the special value of 'man's best friend' should be protected.”

Hopefully the Texas Second Court of Appeals ruling will have a strong impact on other courts across the country in order for judges to make more heart-felt decisions. Since pets are considered family members by the majority of pet owners, their sentimental value must also be honored.

However, some people are concerned that this ruling, which may be appealed, could adversely affect veterinarians, dog sitters and kennels by paving the way for indiscriminate suits by owners in the event that something happens to their dogs.

What are your thoughts about the Texas Court decision? Share them in a comment.