S 1263 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act promoting pet safety aka Crawford's Law

SD 189, "Crawford's Law," allows pet owners to seek financial compensation if someone causes the unnecessary death of their cat or dog through willful, reckless, or negligent actions. Owners can claim damages for the pet's monetary value, loss of companionship, burial costs, and legal fees, with non-economic damages capped at $30,000. Claims must be filed within three years of the pet's death or when the owner became aware of the incident. This law directly affects pet owners seeking redress and individuals whose actions resulted in a pet's avoidable death.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Dec 18, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors