Querétaro Congress approves pet custody reform for divorces

The Querétaro Congress has approved a draft initiative to reform Article 252 of the State Civil Code, aiming to regulate the custody and welfare of pets during marital separations or divorces.

The proposed reform seeks to legally recognize animals as sentient beings. It allows couples to establish agreements regarding custody, visitation periods, feeding, veterinary care, and associated expenses. When determining custody, judges will consider factors such as each person's ability to provide a safe environment, available time, financial resources, and any history of negligence toward animals. The reform also allows for shared custody arrangements if deemed best for the animal's well-being.

Deputy Paul Ospital Carrera, the author of the initiative, noted that current legislation does not address the question of pet ownership during separations. He emphasized that the law must adapt to changing household compositions, noting that seven out of ten households in Querétaro own at least one pet. The initiative will continue through the legislative process for a potential vote by the local Plenary.