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11 April 2025 / Shivi Rajput
Issue: 8112 / Categories: Features , Family , Divorce , Animal welfare
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All bark, no bite?

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Is the UK playing catch-up in its lack of laws surrounding pet disputes? Shivi Rajput considers the current treatment of four-legged family members
  • The treatment of pets in divorce proceedings in England and Wales and internationally.
  • The recent case of FI v DO, in which the central dispute after family finances was the care of the family dog.
  • Ideas for reform to align the law with the emotional and practical importance of pets in families.

It is indisputable—Britain is a nation of dog lovers. With an estimated 33% of UK households owning a dog, they are the country’s most popular pet. Among millennials, the trend is even more pronounced, as many opt for ‘fur babies’ over traditional family structures.

Given the deep emotional bonds formed with pets, disputes over their ownership during divorce proceedings can be particularly contentious. However, despite their significance in family life, the law in England and Wales continues to classify pets as ‘chattels’—personal property akin to furniture or jewellery. This outdated framework

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