Law Would Create Legal Process For Determining Pet Ownership

PROVIDENCE, RI — A proposed law would create a legal process to establish pet ownership in the event of a contested separation. Whether it's a breakup of a relationship or roommates moving out, the process would help navigate the tricky landscape of deciding who "deserves" to keep the animal.

Representative William O'Brien, the bill's sponsor, said "things can get quite emotionally charged and complicated" when it comes to deciding who will take ownership of a pet.

"The purpose of this legislation is to offer a remedial judicial process that will hopefully lessen the stress and uncertainty of the situation for all parties involved," Rep. O'Brien said. "But, most importantly, the legislation will provide a process that determines what is in the best interest of the pet should an ownership issue arise."

The legislation lays out several factors which could help decide who gets to keep the pet, such as who paid for the majority of its expenses, who adopted or bought it, who has provided for it the most and more. The court will then decide who is the rightful owner. No joint custody, damages, pet support or visitation will be awarded. If neither party is determined to be a good, safe home for the animal, the court could choose to send it to a third party such as an animal welfare organization.