Divorcing pet owners fight for custody

Pet owners battling for custody of their devoted dogs during bitter divorces are on the rise in Leeds, lawyers have said.

- by Nick Frame

With children often at the centre of a tug-of-war between parents, it seems the future of their precious pooches are now also subject to contentious court hearings.

John Howe & Co, based in Pudsey, has seen a dramatic rise in cases and with dogs regarded as property, proceedings take place in the small-claims court.

Bryn Rees, a solicitor for the firm, said: “Pets are often seen as family members, and their custody can be just as contentious as child custody.