JUNEAU -- Pets could be considered marital property under a bill proposed in the state House.
The bill would give the court the authority to decide who gets to keep a pet when two people divorce, with consideration of what would be best for the animal.
Rep. Liz Vazquez introduced the bill, with bipartisan co-sponsorships.
The bill defines animal as vertebrates, such as dogs and cats, and specifically excludes fish.
It also would add a pet-related section to the rights of a victim of domestic violence, allowing that person to file a petition with the court to get custody of an animal living in the same household as the abuser and/or preventing the abuser from disposing of the animal.