Judges are now legally required to consider an animal’s best interests in divorce proceedings, and can order shared ownership of a pet.

Prior to AB 2274 coming into effect, judges were not required to treat pets differently to any other shared property - like a coffee table or TV.

Assemblymember Bill Quirk, who introduced the bill, said: “As a proud parent of a rescued dog, I know that owners view their pets as more than just property.

“They are part of our family, and their care needs to be a consideration during divorce proceedings.”