Divorced British Couples Choose Pets Over Property
Animal loving Brits admit they’re more likely to argue over the custody of a much-loved dog during a relationship breakdown than the ownership of the house, according to the Norwich Union.
The study of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by leading insurer, Norwich Union revealed that seven in ten of us would choose our dog over ownership of the house in the event of leaving our partner – 71% versus 65%.
Though dogs top the list as the nation’s most valued household possession, other pets are not far behind. Over two thirds (68%) of respondents reveal they would make a case for custody of a cat, nearly double the amount of those who said they would want to retain the car (37%). And a staggering 57% admitted they would fight for the fish tank.
With the number of divorces on the increase - rising from 166,737 divorces in 2003, to 167,116 in 2004, Norwich Union would suggest the owners of the 15 million pets in the UK think about the future provisions of their pets by considering creating a “pet-nuptial” agreement.
Over a quarter of respondents said they would sign a “pet-nuptial” to outline the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership and prevent the potential heartache involved during an acrimonious split. Making custody decisions puts extra strain on parting couples demanding visiting rights, with over half (52%) willing to spend time with an estranged ex purely to visit a beloved pet.
Even celebrity couples have not escaped the bitter battle of custody arrangements. Recent disputes include Amanda Holden’s and Les Dennis’s fight for their “surrogate children,” West Highland Terriers Nobby and Fudge. Football legend George Best also took on his ex wife Alex for the parental ownership of Irish Setters Rua and Red.
When a relationship breaks down it can be a difficult time for everyone concerned – and this includes the family pet.
You may also like to read
- Negotiations Over a Pet in a Divorce
- Looking for Pet-Friendly Rental Housing : Following 13 Steps May Help You Out
- Pet Insurance is Necessary for Bonfire Night
- What Makes Your pet Special
- The 12th Human Case of Bird Flu
- A cycle of animal abuse was finally broken 1,000 Freed from W.Va. Puppy Mill
- Dog Buried Alive in Neighbor's Backyard
- Big and dangerous camel spider killed pet dog
- Canine Coach to keep Dieters on a Leash
- Americans Prefer Pets than Partners ? as a desert island companion
