Experts to meet at MSU to discuss the legal role of pets in families

[catbyte]

By WILX News 10
Published: Oct. 3, 2024

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Under the law, pets are considered property, not family.

On Thursday, social and legal experts are meeting at Michigan State University (MSU) for a day-long conference to discuss the need to change that narrative. This is the second year of the conference.

Experts say the role of pets in families should be reflected in law.

“Our families have evolved to include companion animals as full members with their own roles within the family unit. And so this change has not been reflected within the legal system today,” said MSU Animal Law Fellow Angie Vega.

Thursday’s conference will go on until 5 p.m.

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Good. My cats are not "property;" they're family, and I'm sure most people who live with companion animals feel the same way. It would be nice to see the law reflect that.

[intrepidity]

1. Yes! About time.

I can imagine lots of rural folks might ridicule this, but animal lovers will totally get it.

The next "wedge" issue??

[hlthe2b]

2. I would argue with anyone that my furry babes are anything BUT property--my kids... BUT be careful what you wish

for--seriously. This can not be decided based on emotion alone.

There are so many complexities to a ruling that makes pets non-property. Not the least are legal liabilities to those who do not pursue what a court or other considers "adequate" and "appropriate" veterinary care--even if that care includes that which are truly not feasible economically. While few veterinarians will euthanize a healthy (or treatable) animal for economic reasons alone, there is potential for the individual demanding that be done to be accountable. Veterinary care, like that on the human side is increasing dramatically in recent decades, but it may be difficult for less costly conservative care (a "wait and see" initial approach) to be offered--even where a veterinarian is agreeable.

Then there are the legal issues associated with the human component--i.e., divorce, moving, homelessness. Who gets to decide custody (and mind you, don't forget the $$ of court intervention in that respect)... As with child custody, what happens when two formerly united "pet parents" don't agree on a planned veterinary medical intervention...

This is a start. Boulder moved in this direction a number of years back but ultimately thought long and hard about some of the many issues I bring up and abandoned it.

Like many, my pup is my furry child and I'd do nearly anything for her as I have tried to do with my previous pets. But while I would likewise want society to do just about anything to prevent animal abuse -- from pets to wildlife and to the degree humanly possible, livestock, declaring pets or all animals as non-property and thus eligible for an array of rights perhaps similar to children carries with it some complications few have considered.

[TommyT139]

4. Some of your topics

Some of your topics overlap with those discussed at the conference.

https://www.law.msu.edu/companion-animals/agenda.html

I was especially glad to see the session on pets and honestly people. Some good work being done there, according to the presenter bio.

[hlthe2b]

5. I would certainly hope my topics ARE being discussed there... This is ripe for major problems.

One would hope the legal community would likewise be consulting with the veterinary community (not merely a DVM animal behaviorist who is apparently involved--the issues go FAR beyond that).

[wendyb-NC]

3. They are definitely family

They are the best family, too. I am closer to my cats, than a few of my siblings.

[Butterflylady]

6. Try telling that to Siwsan,

A member on DU. Her cats are her family, treats them with ❤️ love and takes the time to care for her outdoor kitties 😸