States,
cities, and towns in Western nations commonly enact local ordinances to limit
the number or kind of pets a person may keep personally or for business
purposes. Prohibited pets may be specific to certain breeds (such as pit bulls
or Rottweilers), they may apply to general categories of animals (such as
livestock, exotic animals, wild animals, and canid or felid hybrids), or they
may simply be based on the animal's size. Additional or different maintenance
rules and regulations may also apply. Condominium associations and owners of
rental properties also commonly limit or forbid tenants' keeping of pets.
The
keeping of animals as pets can cause concerns with regard to animal rights and
welfare. Pets have commonly been considered private property, owned by
individual persons. However, many legal protections have existed (historically
and today) with the intention of safeguarding pets' (and other animals')
well-being. Since the year 2000, a small but increasing number of jurisdictions
in North America have enacted laws redefining pet's owners as guardians.
Intentions have been characterized as simply changing attitudes and perceptions
(but not legal consequences) to working toward legal personhood for pets
themselves. Some veterinarians and breeders have opposed these moves. The
question of pets' legal status can arise with concern to purchase or adoption,
custody, divorce, estate and inheritance, injury, damage, and veterinary
malpractice.
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