In Mexico, pets hold an important place in families, which has motivated the Chamber of Deputies to present a new initiative called "Who Keeps the Dog," inspired by the popular song by Jesse & Joy. The proposed law aims to determine what happens to pets in cases of divorce or separation, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Deputy Armando Corona Arvizu from Morena has proposed a modification to the Federal Civil Code to include a new article, 284-Bis, that establishes a legal framework for resolving pet custody in divorce situations. In Mexico, almost 70% of households have pets, and many see these animals as an integral part of the family, so they eagerly await regulation of their situation in case of separation.
If this initiative is approved, Mexico would join other countries such as France, Spain, and Portugal, which have already implemented similar laws recognizing the importance of pets in family life. Arturo Zaldivar, former minister of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, mentioned the importance of carefully addressing this issue, suggesting that couples should try to agree on pet custody with the well-being of these beings in mind.
In case of disagreement, a mediation process can be resorted to, and, as a last resort, the Family Judge will make the decision based on the best interest of the pets. Various criteria will be considered, such as the ability to provide a safe environment, the previous relationship with the animals, the availability of care and resources, among other aspects.
In total, it is estimated that there are around 80 million pets in Mexico, including dogs, cats, and other varieties. The proposal includes the possibility of shared custody, where both parties will continue to be responsible for feeding, veterinary care, and time spent with the pets.
The initiative still needs to go through the discussion and voting process in Congress, but it has sparked interest in society. The judge can adjust the custody plan if either party fails to comply with the agreements. Deputy Armando Corona justifies this proposal by arguing that it seeks to change the perception of pets, moving from being considered simply as property to being recognized as an integral part of family life.
