A British Columbia tribunal has ruled that when pet-owners separate, the focus is on determining ownership rather than granting custody. The decision came in a case where two women disputed who should keep their dog, Walter. The adjudicator explained that the legal framework prioritizes ownership over custody, emphasizing that pets are considered property. The ruling highlights the unique nature of pet ownership in family law. The case underscores the growing complexity of legal matters in divorce proceedings, where emotional attachments often intersect with legal rights. The outcome may influence future cases involving shared pets in separated households.