Rather than treating pets the same as a dining table, the law requires judges in divorce proceedings to consider the animals’ best interests when deciding which spouse gets custody...For example, judges could consider which spouse most often fed the animal, took the pet for veterinary care or spent the most time with it.
Lawmakers who supported the bill argued custody battles involving pets are not uncommon... The new law will help determine a clear path to resolving those disagreements.
New York’s new law takes effect immediately.
