When a relationship comes to an end, deciding who gets custody of the pets can often be a delicate matter. For Estela and her ex-partner, the main focus of their split was Lucas, a gorgeous three-year-old Siberian Husky. Raised as a full member of the family, the dog needed daily attention as well as regular food and vet bills.
For Estela, it was unthinkable that the financial responsibility should fall solely on her shoulders after the breakup. Believing that her ex-partner should continue to play his part in supporting the dog, she took a bold step in May 2025. She decided to take the matter to court to secure the well-being of her four-legged companion.
A historic court ruling
"The most important thing is to stand up for my dog and ensure his well-being," she explained at the time. After nearly ten months of intense legal proceedings in the family court of Centro, in the Tabasco state of Mexico, the verdict was finally delivered. It marks a major turning point for animal rights in the region.
The judge ordered the co-owner to pay a monthly maintenance fee of 700 Mexican pesos, which is about £30. This money is specifically intended to cover Lucas's food, medical bills, and various daily needs.
Changing attitudes towards pets
This unprecedented decision sets a valuable legal precedent. Estela's lawyer hopes this ruling will encourage lawmakers to adapt legislation to reflect the reality of modern families and the status of pets during a separation.
Although pet maintenance does not formally exist in the UK legal system either, several European countries, such as Spain and Portugal, are already updating their laws to address joint custody and shared expenses. It is a wonderful step forward to ensure our small creatures are never left behind when a relationship breaks down.