In many legal senses, dogs are seen as property. The reality though is they are not property but family. Legal terms can be cold and lead to the devaluing of our pets. It is important in all venues to see pets as individuals, who although may not be people with rights, still nonetheless are seen with intrinsic value beyond.
The article,”Maine Voices: Dog’s day in court isn’t about property – it’s about the human-animal bond” by PAULA GERSTENBLATT relates how it is more than just property disputes in court but a human-animal bond. The article states,
“In a recent editorial, “Our View: Dogs shouldn’t get their day in court” (May 16, Page A6), the Editorial Board writes: “Pets may seem like family, but they’re property – which is how courts should rule.” Research on the human-animal bond indicates pets are considered family, and the connection equals or exceeds that experienced between humans.”
To read the entire article, please click here
Please also review our Pet Loss Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional needs.