Now, a campaign group is rightly calling for a radical rethink, and demanding that divorce judges shift awards from “Who paid for the pet?” to “Who actually cares for the pet?”
In many families, the pet is loved, cherished and fought over as fiercely as custody battles over children. Yet courts, mired in centuries-old notions of property ownership, still often regard them as chattel: who signed the receipt? Who paid the adoption fee? Too bad if the family spaniel sleeps at the foot of your bed, the law may still side with that person who paid the fee at the RSPCA.
Across Europe, courts are already waking up. Spain’s 2021 law, recognising companion animals as “sentient beings,” forces judges to factor in emotional bonds. France has followed suit with its own protections and several US states now allow “pet custody” provisions. Meanwhile, here in the UK, our judiciary clings to antiquated property doctrines — despite our national reputation as animal lovers.
square SIMON KELNER
Oh good, something else for dog owners to worry aboutRead More
No-one wants to see the courts wade into full “pet custody” battles complete with supervised visits and weekend schedules. But, a basic principle must be established: emotional bonds matter more than bank balances.
Pet custody reform may sound like a small tweak, but for thousands of families, it’s life‑changing. When your divorce decree is signed, you shouldn’t be haunted by the knowledge that your beloved companion will be handed over to someone, simply because they once footed the bill.
It’s unjust and it’s time for our courts to catch up. Give pets the legal recognition as “sentient beings” they deserve: award them to the carer, not the paymaster—and finally treat them like the family they really are.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( In divorce, pets should be treated like children )
Also on site :