The American Veterinary Medical Association says the lawsuit filed by Michael and Kathryn Sutton of Ellijay, Ga., also could spike the cost of insurance and care for animals, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday.

The Suttons, in a lawsuit filed in Fulton County Superior Court, accuse their former veterinary surgeon, Julie Duval, of the death of their 13-year-old miniature Schnauzer, Marshall, from peritonitis. They are seeking $75,000 in damages.

Duval, of Georgia Veterinary Specialists in Sandy Springs, Ga., contends she treated Marshall "like I would my own. I'm comfortable with that," she said.

Georgia, and most states, considers pets personal property while some pet advocates, including the Suttons, contend "companion" animals, such as dogs, should be treated as humans because they are valued members of the family, the Journal-Constitution reported.