Pets

This blog highlights the gap between the legal treatment of pets as property and their real significance in family life. Drawing on recent research, the independent Working Group on Pets on Divorce and Separation sets out a practical case for modest reform. It suggests that clear statutory criteria would support earlier resolution, reduce conflict, and better reflect families’ lived realities on separation.

A relatively minor change to the law could bring us into line with jurisdictions around the world that now recognise the need to treat pets as more than chattels