Law values man's best friend at $100,000

Colorado is set to adopt America's first law confirming what pet owners have known for a long time, that the true value of cats and dogs comes from their companionship.

A proposal before state lawmakers seeks to allow damages of up to $100,000 (£63,000) to be awarded against those who cause the death of domestic animals through abuse or negligence.

In effect, it would elevate the legal status of pets from property to companions because current laws allow owners only to recover 'fair market value' in the event of loss of a pet.

The bill has the support of some heavyweight politicians in Colorado, which has more than two million cats and dogs living in 1.6 million households and is one of only 14 American states to recognise them as beneficiaries in a will.

The driving force behind the proposed new law is a 53-year-old dog-lover called Jim Schwartz, who set up the Next-To-Kin Foundation to secure legal recognition for companion animals and enhance their quality of life.

'Pets have moved from the back yard to the bedroom. They are our best friends, they provide us with companionship, they are part of our families. Pets aren't property, they're next of kin,' he said.

His group has long argued that veterinarians are profiteering from the over-vaccination of domestic animals, and that allowing significant damages to be awarded against vets whose negligent actions may lead to the death of pets will act as a deterrent.