Many will argue that their companion animal, or mother, or sister, or child is worth all the money in the world and much more.

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Last month the committee decided to seek the views of the Companion Animal Welfare Council which conducts studies and provides advice on animal welfare.

BBC: Wales politics

In 2001 state legislators unanimously passed the Companion Animal Cremation Act, which instructs cremation companies to define their services in detail and in writing.

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However, dogs primarily catch the virus while in close quarters with other dogs that are coughing and sneezing, says Steven Shell, head of Merck's U.S. companion animal group.

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Novartis' consumer health unit includes over-the-counter medications such as Benefiber, Excedrin and Theraflu, along with CIBA Vision's contact lenses and eye care products and Animal Health's companion and agricultural animal care products.

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