A growing campaign is demanding urgent legal reform to recognise pets as more than property, challenging outdated classifications that still govern how animals are treated in the UK legal system.
The petition, spearheaded by Cooper & Co Solicitors in Canterbury, calls for Courts to update how they approach pet-related disputes — particularly those involving ownership disagreements, custody cases, and claims of negligence. The firm has decades of experience supporting pet owners in complex legal matters since the 1990s.
“Owners are shocked to learn the law still treats pets as chattels, no different from a table or a waistcoat,” says Solicitor, Jack Sullivan. “Most see their pets as family, yet Courts are not required to consider their welfare or emotional bonds. It is high time the law caught up with public sentiment.”
Public opinion clearly supports change. According to Dogs Trust’s 2024 National Dog Survey, 99% of owners view their dogs as family members. Further research by Purina indicates that 73% of respondents see their pets as one of their best friends — statistics that highlight how far current legislation lags behind public attitudes.
This campaign emerges amid increasing political and media scrutiny on animal rights following the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 and the passing of the Pet Abduction Act 2024, both of which have brought the issue of pet protection to the fore.
Cooper & Co reports a 37.5% increase in pet custody disputes between March 2024 and March 2025 when compared to the previous year. The firm warns that delays in legal resolution often result in pet owners being forcibly separated from their animals for extended periods, sometimes over 12 months.
Current negligence laws also fall short. If a pet dies due to someone else’s actions, owners are usually only entitled to minimal damages based on the pet’s market price — not the emotional impact or bond shared.
With more than 2,700 signatures secured in the early days of the campaign, the petition is rapidly gaining traction among the public, legal experts, and animal welfare groups.
Supporters are encouraged to spread awareness using the hashtag #FamilyNotProperty. A real-time heat map of signatories shows support flooding in from across the UK, reflecting a clear appetite for reform.
Jack adds, “for millions of people, pets are not property – they’re comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. The public already knows pets are family, it’s time the law caught up.”
Petition Link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/714902
