Dog Custody

Azpi

Hi All,

I need some advice on dog custody.

My partner and I have split up. We are not married but we got a puppy in July 2021. My partner walked out of me and took the dog to their partner's family. I have not seen the dog for a few weeks and I really miss him. This is the longest that I have not seen our dog and my house is quiet without him. The dog is microchipped in my partner's name but I was the primary care of the dog as my partner worked in Europe. So we shared the bills for our dog. 

At the moment, she is in hospital and her family have the dog but they not allowing me to see my dog. My partner is not replying to my messages about seeing our dog. I am unsure what to do? Any advice?

Emmia

I think the difficulty will be in proving ownership given the name on the microchip, and the fact she took the dog - was it to hurt you?

Azpi

My partner is in Hospital, is not very well at the moment. My partner's family have been vile and refusing for me to see our dog. 

[Deleted User]

But it's not your partner, it's an individual who used to be.

Get round there sharpish and reclaim your dog!

elsien

Dogs are property under the law. Same as a TV, for example. Doesn’t matter who did what to look after it; who paid for it and what other proof of ownership is there? 

If your ex is in hospital, then texts asking for puppy visitation rights are probably the last thing on her family’s mind. 

Taking all this at face value, which may or may not be the case. 

Katiehound

elsien said:

Dogs are property under the law.  

I thought the law had changed in this regard... or maybe it was just mooted as a possible change of law?
 Dogs Trust may be would be able to advise you  .

Undervalued

Katiehound said:

elsien said:

Dogs are property under the law.  

I thought the law had changed in this regard... or maybe it was just mooted as a possible change of law?
 Dogs Trust may be would be able to advise you  .

I don't think so.

In what way was a change mooted? Sounds like some wishful thinking on the part of those that think of their dogs as substitute children.

sheramber

https://doglaw.co.uk/civil/ownership-custody-disputes/

Undervalued

sheramber said:

https://doglaw.co.uk/civil/ownership-custody-disputes/

And a quick cut and paste of a couple of paragraphs from that website.....

A dog is regarded within the legal system as a ‘chattel’. Essentially, they are viewed as an item that is owned a bit like a car or an item of furniture!

We fully appreciate that to its owner a dog is more likely to be regarded as a much-loved member of the family but do not assume that this will be how it is viewed by the Court. During a dog ownership dispute, a Court will determine who the owner is.