We, the undersigned, call on the UK Government to amend family law so that pets are legally recognised as sentient beings, not mere property, during divorces and separations.

In Spain, a groundbreaking law now treats pets like family members in breakups: courts assess emotional bonds, who provides daily care, and which home ensures the animal’s happiness and welfare—reducing conflict and putting furry friends first. With around 30,000 married couples with pets divorcing annually there, it’s already transforming lives by preventing sales or forced separations.  It’s time the UK follows suit.

Currently, UK law views pets as “chattels” (possessions), leading to heartbreaking auctions, forced sales, or arbitrary splits that ignore a dog’s anxiety or a cat’s need for stability. This outdated approach treats our companions—estimated at over 36 million pets in UK homes, with 51% of adults owning at least one  —as objects, not the loyal family members they are. 95% of owners see their pets as family, yet in separations, over a quarter (27%) of the UK’s 101,500 annual divorces involve pet custody battles, often prioritised above property disputes and costing couples up to £7,000 in legal fees.  Heart-wrenching stories abound: families torn apart, animals shuttled between strangers, all because the law lags behind science and society.

We demand reform to:

•  Require judges to consider the pet’s best interests, including health, routine, and attachment to owners.

•  Introduce “pet custody” arrangements, similar to child custody, with shared care options where feasible.

•  Update the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and related laws to reflect animal sentience, backed by RSPCA and veterinary experts.

This isn’t just about animals—it’s about compassion, mental health for families, and modernising justice. 59% of pet owners already care more about their pet’s welfare than their own—less courtroom battles mean more love and stability for everyone, including our pets who enrich our lives daily. 

The evidence is clear: countries like Spain prove this works. Let’s make the UK a leader in animal welfare. Sign now to give our pets the voice they deserve!

What is the proposed action of the petitioner?

We call on the Secretary of State for Justice to consult with animal welfare organisations, family law experts, and the public to introduce legislation recognising pets as sentient beings in family proceedings, with pilot “pet custody” guidelines by 2027.