According to a new law that came into force in Spain on Wednesday, pets must be recognized as “living beings with emotions” and not just objects.
As a result, Spanish courts must also take into account the best interests of the animal, as well as the needs of the family, when deciding who can keep the dog, cat, goldfish, turtle or bird after a divorce.
The law, which has been drafted by the governing parties, aims to end the legal conflicts that often arise when divorced couples have to agree on who will take care of the pet.
It states that the owners must guarantee the pet’s well-being, and that one of the spouses may lose care of the animal if he or she has a history of animal cruelty.
The law also requires courts to take the best interests of the animal into account when deciding disputes over the inheritance of pets.
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