Divorce does not only affect the couple involved or their kids but it can also have consequences on the pets the family have at home. It is believed that dogs and cats may also be greatly affected when a relationship ends.
In an interview with ABC, animal behaviorist Kate Mornement highlighted that pets are also torn during breakups and divorce.
"I do see quite a few cases of pets with behaviour problems following separation or divorce... most commonly separation anxiety in dogs," she explained. "Any big disruption to their normal routine or breaking of attachment bonds affects them a lot."
She also noted that pets usually gets troubled when there are constant fights inside the house. "When couples do separate it's often a positive if there's been any sort of verbal or physical abuse pets witness, like kids, that can cause some stress and anxiety," Mornement said.
In addition, ABC also noted that there are also times when dogs end up in the wrong homes after the separation. "Pets are shuttled between houses with kids rather than allowed to settle in one residence or can be left with the person not necessarily best suited to care for the animal," said Flinders University PhD student Zoei Sutton.
Family Law Network Australia discussed that some couples even use their pets as "pawns" in their relationship struggles. It noted that one may threaten the other that they cannot see or spend time with their pets. This often adds to the anxiety and stress of the animals.
The same report added that there are also times when pets are abused by their owners because of the pressure brought by the separation. It was suggested that pets should be taken by the women in the relationship so they can be well taken cared of.
According to ABC, sometimes pet really do not understand what is going on inside their homes and it makes them confused. "The dogs don't know what the hell is going on. No one can talk to them and tell them what's happening," said Robyne Glegg of English Pointer Rescue Australia, a group which re-homes pets involved in a divorce or separation.
