§ 41.740 — Damages for which person who kills or injures pet of another person is liable; punitive and noneconomic damages may not be awarded; limitation on amount of damages; exceptions

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, if a natural person intentionally, willfully, recklessly or negligently injures or kills the pet of another natural person, the person is liable for the following:
(a) The cost of veterinary care incurred by the owner because of the injury or death of the pet.
(b) If the pet is injured, any reduction in the market value of the pet caused by the injury.
(c) If the pet is killed, the market value of the pet and reasonable burial expenses.
(d) Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the owner in bringing an action pursuant to this section.
2. Punitive damages and noneconomic damages may not be awarded in an action brought under this section.
3. In an action brought under this section, the award of damages must not exceed $5,000 for each pet.
4. The provisions of this section do not authorize an award of damages pursuant to subsection 1 if:
(a) A nonprofit organization, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals established pursuant to NRS 574.010 or governmental entity, or an employee or agent thereof, injures or kills a pet while acting in furtherance of public health or animal welfare.
(b) The action is based on the killing of a dog that had been or was killing or causing damage to livestock.
(c) The person reasonably believed that:
(1) The pet presented a risk to the person’s safety or to the safety of another person; and
(2) The action was necessary to protect himself or herself or another person.
5. As used in this section:
(a) “Livestock” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 569.0085 .
(b) “Owner” means a natural person who owns, possesses, harbors, keeps or has control or custody of a pet.
(c) “Pet” means any domesticated dog or cat normally maintained in or near the household of its owner.

Legislative History

(Added to NRS by 2007, 2471 )