Who gets the dog?
How pets are dealt with by the courts on divorce or separation and what changes are being sought
Article contributed by Natalie Sutherland
The family pet is often considered a much loved family member, but the court doesn’t always see it that way when it comes to divorce. This article will guide you through the current legal position and sets out the reforms advocated by the Working Group on Pets on Divorce and Separation and what you can do to help.
When it comes to divorce and separation of cohabiting couples, the family pet can be overlooked within the negotiations or they can be weaponised and used as a bargaining chip. If you’re a pet parent and considering divorce or separation, this article will provide insight into how the courts could deal with your pet dispute.
The law as it stands
The problem and the case for change
England is an outlier when it comes to its treatment of pets on divorce. Many jurisdictions have updated their laws, acknowledging pets as more than chattels, and the Working Group is determined to see the law changed in the UK.