Pets in Family Law Matters

Changes to family law to better support victims of domestic violence in property settlements are now in affect. Importantly, the Act will provide a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in divorce and separation proceedings. Pets will no longer be recognised merely as property, but as “companion animals”.

Family law courts must now consider animal abuse, including threats to harm pets, when deciding which partner is awarded ownership. Research suggests up to 15% of all animal cruelty cases involve domestic violence offending. Therefore, the new laws will provide some relief to partners whose beloved pets have suffered abuse.

For victims of violence, the relationship with their pet is very important for emotional support. Because of this attachment, abusers often target animals as one of the ways to control their victims.