If you've ever gone through a split and lost access to a beloved animal, you know how tragic it can be. Most people consider their pets to be more like family than "property," but in many states in the country, pets are literally considered the legal equivalent of a TV or a car. This means that across the country, pets' well-being isn't considered at all in divorce cases.
But anyone who owns an animal knows that pets are sentient beings with feelings, needs, and relationships. Their well-being should be considered in divorce cases, too!
A new bill would change this for good. Sign now to tell Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass this vital law to consider pet custody in divorce cases!
If the new bill were passed, it would make Pennsylvania one of just a handful of states that prioritize pet welfare in divorce cases and consider them more than simple property. The point of the law is to allow judges to consider the pet's needs in their decision about who gets legal custody of the companion animal.
When pets are considered "property" like a couch or television, custody is usually automatically granted to the person who "purchased" the animal. But what if that person is negligent, cruel, or simply not the right pet parent to take care of the animal moving forward? All of these factors should be considered before throwing an animal into a circumstance where it may be unhappy -- or worse -- unsafe.
Pets are family, and it is time courts start acting like it. Pennsylvania must sign this bill to ensure that pets are considered more than property in divorce cases! Sign the petition if you agree!
