PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Rhode Island lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require judges to take the best interests of domestic pets into account when deciding who gets custody in a divorce.
Democratic state Rep. Charlene Lima told The Providence Journal on Tuesday that pets are a big part of people’s families, and a judge should make the best decision for the welfare of the animal.
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Pets are considered property under the current Rhode Island divorce law. The newspaper reports that Alaska became the first state this year to add a law considering the interest of pets in divorces.
Lima sponsored a bill that was passed last year allowing Rhode Island restaurants with outdoor dining areas to accommodate patrons and their dogs.
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