侵害宠物致人精神损害的赔偿问题研究

A Study on the Issue of Moral Damage Compensation for Pet Infringement

近年来,中国宠物行业蓬勃发展,但宠物受到侵害的案件也越来越多。宠物主人往往试图通过司法程序请求精神损害赔偿,但并非所有法院都将符合条件的宠物认定为人格物,致使小动物的生存利益难以保全,宠物主损失也得不到弥补。本文通过剖析宠物受侵害案件判决中所暴露出的立法、法律适用问题,结合我国精神损害赔偿相关法律规范,在探究宠物是否具有人格地位基础上,找到宠物所蕴含的人格利益和财产利益双重保护的民事法律理论,提供宠物作为人格物毁损适用精神损害赔偿的最佳路径。

In recent years, pet industry in China has experienced significant growth, however, there is a rising number of cases involving infringements on pets’ rights. Pet owners often seek compensation for mental damages through legal procedures, but not all courts recognize pets as eligible entities, making it challenging to protect the welfare of small animals and compensate pet owners for their losses. This paper analyzes the legislative and legal issues highlighted in judgments related to infringed pets’ cases while considering relevant legal norms regarding mental damage compensation in China. By exploring whether pets possess person hood status, this study identifies the civil legal theory that encompasses dual protection of personality interests and property interests within pets. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights into applying mental damage compensation to pets as individuals who have suffered harm.