More on Pet Custody Battles

Check out a recent CBS video on the pet custody issue.  It continues to be increasingly important - as important to people who care as much about their pets as they care about their children.  For help, contact us.  

CBS Pet Custody Video

This Could Change Everything

This landmark case could change the face of the way damages are awarded when pets are injured or die. Until now, pets were mostly considered to be personal property, only worth their "replacement value." As a pet owner, that's like saying your child is only worth it's replacement value. It was only a matter of time before the courts started recognizing the true value of our pets.

Read more here...
This Could Change Everything

Animal Rescue Act filed to Save Lives and Taxpayer Dollars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 3, 2011

Contact: Cheryl Ennis | (850) 487-5078 | ennis.cheryl.s21@flsenate.gov

Bennett Files Animal Rescue Act to Save Lives, Taxpayer Dollars

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Combining compassion and business sense, Senator Mike Bennett, RBradenton,filed a bill today aimed at saving taxpayer dollars along with the lives of Florida’s fourlegged friends. Filing the Florida Animal Rescue Act, Senate Bill 818, Bennett explained that by sending animals to non-profit animal rescue organizations instead of killing them, costs are transferred from taxpayers to private organizations, and the burden on publicly funded shelters is reduced. Costs previously used for killing animals can then be focused on revenue-boosting adoptions.

“Florida has an opportunity to join other states setting a nationwide example by passing a bill that could

save thousands of animals and help direct dollars toward other important initiatives,” said Bennett.

“When we are not using dollars to care for, kill and dispose of animals, there is an immediate cost

savings to local governments.”

Calling it both a compassionate and smart decision, Bennett added that killing animals takes an

incredible toll on shelter staff members who often experience emotional trauma and exhaustion. This measure would spare them such a burden when animals have lifesaving options available.

 The Florida Animal Rescue Act also offers protections for the safety of both the public and animals, excluding dangerous dogs, irremediably suffering animals, and it would also exclude organizations affiliated with a volunteer, staff member, director or officer convicted of animal neglect, cruelty or dog fighting, suspending the organization while charges are pending.

For more details on this bill and other legislation moving through the process, visit www.flsenate.gov.

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Seniors Can Benefit From Pet Ownership

Here's a good article to remind us of the benefits of pet ownership - at any stage of life, but especially as we get older. We all have the responsibility, but it is especially important for older pet owners, to consider what will happen to our pets if something happens to us? Including your pets as part of your estate plan, including creating a pet trust to ensure their future welfare is important. For more information, you can contact us directly or read more in "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet." The book is available through our site on Amazon.

Seniors Can Benefit From Pet Ownership | Ryan, Hicks, Cumpton & Cumpton LLP