A Chicagoland man located in Carol Stream has asked a Will County, Illinois judge to let an arbitrator decide who keeps and gets custody of the former couples black lab dog. You can learn more @ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-divorcing-couple-struggles-with-pet-custody-20140716,0,1160756.story.
According to the article linked above, there has been a sharp rise in pets mentioned in divorce and family law cases in the past five years. When people split, it is common to divide property such as furniture, electronics and other household belongings. The issue is that pets are currently viewed in Illinois courts as just another piece of property in breakups.
It makes sense that people would fight over custody and visitation rights for pets and animals as many people love their pet as much as they love anything else in life. A break up and split is never easy and losing a pet could easily add to the trauma and stress of a separation.