Pet custody from de facto breakup goes to Family Court, not tribunal
A tribunal ruled it has no power to decide pet ownership after a de facto relationship ends.
When a de facto couple from Canberra separated, the man who bought their dachshund for $2150 asked the civil tribunal to return the dog. The woman kept the dog after the split and argued the case belonged in Family Court instead.
The tribunal agreed and dismissed the man's claim. When he appealed, a senior judge confirmed the ruling.
Family Court alone can decide who keeps companion animals when de facto relationships break down. The legislation makes this absolutely clear, the judge said.
- $2,150
- Dachshund purchase price
- October 2023
- Purchased
- January 2026
- Relationship ended
- March 2026
- Tribunal application filed
Why it mattersIf you're in a de facto relationship and disagree over a pet after splitting, you'll need Family Court, not a faster civil process.
AustraliaAustralian de facto couples now know pet custody disputes must go to Family Court, which handles property and asset division after breakdown of relationships.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
