There has been a steady climb in pet and companion animal ownership, with pet adoptions increasing 15% from 2019 to 2020. Today, pet owners see their animals as family members; this is resulting in a shift in judicial perspective regarding pet custody.  In an article published in the Orlando Sentinel, Rebecca Palmer says that in Florida, pets are treated as property and can be distributed according to Florida’s property division law.

“Alaska, California, and Illinois are among the states that have enacted laws giving judges room to consider pets’ best interests, not unlike what they do for children. A bill is pending in New York state to take the same approach,” writes Palmer. “This changing legal landscape has left many divorce petitioners unprepared to solve pet custody matters, resulting in drawn-out and expensive court battles.”

To read the news story in full, click here. (subscriber based)

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