What is my responsibility for pets that are left with my ex-partner?

Question

I left an abusive situation where my girlfriend was rageful to me and told me to leave her house. I was staying with her, although I also had my apartment that I was paying rent for. We had bought a dog together, but she is on the papers for registration. After she kicked me out, now she is saying that I owe half of the vet bills going forward and half of caring for the dog going forward. Is this true? I am unable to take the dog so she will need to take the dog, rehome it or sell it. She is basically using this to try to keep in contact with me. I do not want to have any further contact with her? What do I need to do?

Indianna

Answer

Remember you are writing to a humane organization. You bought the dog together. I would hope that you would want to ensure that the dog gets good care.
People who believe they are owed money can sue to try to get compensated. Of course, I cannot say that your ex will sue. I also cannot predict the outcome of any given case.
There have not been many cases where “petimony” has been awarded. In one case where the divorcing spouses agreed to share custody of the dog, the court ordered the husband to pay up to $150 a month for the dog’s care. Rudy Giuliani’s ex-wife reportedly sought more than $1000 a month for the family dog’s needs. The court denied her request.
Mediation occasionally helps to resolve these disputes. Also, sometimes the animal’s “co-parent” who does not want a “shared” animal and does not want to continue to have contact with the dog’s “co-parent” will agree to pay a lump sum in advance in satisfaction of all obligations, with no further money due. The agreement should be in writing and signed by the parties.
I hope this works out well for the dog!