In most states, people can sue for loss of companionship of a spouse or a child who dies as a result of an intentional tort. Most states, however, treat the loss of a pet as the loss of personal property and will only award the value of the pet and not the pain and suffering caused by the death of the animal.56 Advocates for a change in the law argue that dogs, cats, and other family pets should not be lumped with inanimate personal property, such as purses, furniture, or articles of clothing. Do you think more states should recognize a new tort to fully compensate owners for the loss of their pets?