Family law changes will better protect domestic violence victims – and their pet

From The Conversation:

Welcome changes to family law come into effect this week to better support victims of domestic violence in property settlements.

Importantly, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 will provide a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in divorce and separation proceedings. Pets will no longer be recognised merely as property, but as “companion animals”.

Family law courts must now consider animal abuse, including threats to harm pets, when deciding which partner is awarded ownership.

Research suggests up to 15% of all animal cruelty cases involve domestic violence offending. Therefore, the new laws will provide some relief to partners whose beloved pets have suffered abuse.

Read more here.