Brazil approves law allowing shared pet custody
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BRASILIA: In a move reflecting the shifting social dynamics of modern households, the Brazilian Congress has passed a law officially allowing separating couples to share custody of their pets. The legislation, approved on Tuesday, aims to resolve increasingly frequent legal disputes over domestic animals, which many Brazilians now consider ‘true family members.’
Under the new regulations, if a couple cannot reach an amicable agreement, a judge will be empowered to determine a shared custody arrangement. This includes the equitable distribution of maintenance expenses, such as food and veterinary care.
To qualify for shared custody, the pet must have spent the majority of its life with the couple. Notably, the law includes strict safeguards and shared custody will be denied in cases involving a history of domestic violence or prior criminal records.
With an estimated 160 million pets in a nation of 213 million people, lawmakers noted that the reform responds to a societal shift where pets often fill the role of traditional family members in smaller households.
Photo Credits: AFP
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