Divorcing spouses each fighting for ownership of their dog settled last week after a Manhattan civil court judge issued a decision suggesting household pets should be treated as more than property. Matrimonial lawyers say the case could help shape future disputes over canine custody in divorce proceedings.
In a Nov. 29 decision in Travis v. Murray, 208310/13, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Matthew Cooper called for a one-day hearing to determine who would have final possession of the dog, a 2 1/2-year-old miniature dachshund named Joey. But before Cooper could set a hearing date, Shannon Travis and Trisha Murray agreed on Dec. 4 that Joey would go to Murray.
