HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday passed legislation that would require judges to consider the welfare and living arrangements of companion animals during divorce proceedings, moving pets beyond their current classification as inanimate property.

House Bill 97, sponsored by Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, passed by a vote of 121-82 and now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

The bill amends the state’s Domestic Relations statute to add a special category for companion animals, recognizing them as “living beings that are generally regarded as cherished family members” and not just items for equitable division.

Currently, pets in Pennsylvania divorces are treated the same as property like furniture or appliances. Kulik’s bill aims to change tha

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