Separating couples in Brazil may no longer have to battle over who keeps the family pet, after lawmakers approved new legislation allowing for shared custody arrangements.
The law, passed by the Brazilian Congress on Tuesday, reflects the growing importance of pets in Brazilian households.
Under the new measure, if separating partners cannot reach an agreement regarding their pet, a judge will determine a shared custody arrangement and ensure that maintenance costs are fairly divided between both parties.
The legislation applies to animals that have spent most of their lives with the couple. However, shared custody will not be granted in cases where there is a criminal record or a history or risk of domestic violence.
Lawmakers say the move comes amid a rise in pet custody disputes in courts, as well as broader societal changes.
In a statement accompanying the law, officials noted that many couples are having fewer children and forming closer bonds with their pets, which are increasingly regarded as family members.
Brazil, a country of more than 213 million people, is home to an estimated 160 million pets most of them dogs according to the Instituto Pet Brasil.