Civil cause of action created, and punitive and emotional civil damages for injury to pets allowed.

HF 2733 creates a legal claim for pet owners whose companion animals are injured by others. It allows owners to seek compensation for medical costs, actual damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages from the person who caused the injury. The bill specifically covers nonhuman mammals, birds, or reptiles kept as companions (excluding livestock), and does not apply to licensed veterinarians acting within their scope of practice or under state law. This change directly affects pet owners and individuals who may cause harm to pets, expanding legal remedies beyond previous options.