Murchik
Temporary care became a fight for return.
Temporary care after housing loss became a possession dispute. In 2023, the court ordered his return.
Read Murchik’s storyCare Counts / New York
They know who loves them. The law should, too.
Help strengthen New York's companion-animal custody laws around care, safety, and the bonds that make a family.
Create an editable letter, then send it from your own email. About five minutes.
Geppetto’s story
A life beyond the court papers.
A greyhound. An established circle of care. His adopter says he adopted Geppetto in September 2021 and surrendered him in August 2026 to comply with a New York court direction.
Ownership remains disputed. His adopter seeks his return and a prompt hearing where both sides can be heard.
The care that makes a family
Care is a bond. It needs a fair hearing.
New York already considers a companion animal’s best interest in matrimonial possession decisions. But real care, different household types and urgent welfare needs deserve a clearer process.
These are campaign goals, not protections already enacted.
Keep care continuous.
Daily caregiving, veterinary care and stable bonds should shape decisions.
Hear every household fairly.
Clear eligibility and evidence should protect caregivers beyond marriage, without turning temporary care into ownership.
Make safety timely.
Prompt hearings, safe interim care and written reasons should make a fair process usable.
All companion animals. Every kind of household.
Real pet custody cases
When pets pay the price.
Mack
A return order was only the beginning.
An adoption dispute led to a return order. Contemporary reporting confirmed his reunion with his family.
Read Mack’s storyThe legislation · checked November 2, 2026
Where things stand.
Current matrimonial statute
DRL §236(B)(5)(d)(15)
Already requires considering a companion animal's best interest in matrimonial property decisions.
Proposal
A740
Would consider well-being in ownership decisions, reaching people who both lived with the animal.
Proposal
S8927 / A11651
Would list care factors for possession in divorce. S8927 passed the Senate May 29; A11651 was introduced July 29. Both are pending in Assembly Judiciary.
Let care count
One letter. Your words. Their future.
It takes about five minutes to find your state lawmakers and send a short, personal note.