3rd February 2005
A new custody battle is set to hit courtrooms across the country – but this time it’s pet access that’s being contested.
New research by Direct Line Pet Insurance finds that like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston, more than a third (39 per cent) of British dog owners are prepared to launch a custody battle to safeguard the ownership of their pet.
Desperate not to lose their four-legged friend, 38 per cent would be willing to pay off their partner to secure guardianship of their animal. Nearly a third (32 per cent) would shell out more than £1000 and 15 per cent would part with over £10,000 to guarantee custody.
And in the battle to ensure their pet remains at their side, it would seem no tactic is off limits. One in 10 (12 per cent) would resort to blackmail to get their own way.
The lengths Britain’s dog owners will go to reflects the vital role pets play in their lives. Almost nine in 10 (87 per cent) view their dog as an important member of the family, 38 per cent are reliant on their furry friend for love and affection and one in five claim they are unable to imagine life without them.
Worried what would happen to their pet if they split up with their partner, 16 per cent have already had the “custody conversation”. However, there could be trouble on the horizon as out of those who haven’t, nearly a third (29 per cent) assume they would be the obvious choice for ownership.
Chris Price, Business Manager at Direct Line Pet Insurance, said:
“It’s interesting to see from the research that so many dog owners are prepared to spend up to £10,000 to gain custody of their pet but yet only 15% are prepared to buy insurance protection.
“Splitting up with a partner is traumatic enough, but losing custody of a pet makes the break even harder to deal with. With these findings in mind, we’re reviewing the legal liability in our insurance policy for dog owners to see if it needs to include pet custody battles.”
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Mel Garfield at Band & Brown Communications on 0207 419 7312 or email mel@bbpr.com.
Carmel McCarthy – Direct Line Press Office – 0845 878 2178
Notes to Editors
Research was carried out in January 2005 by K9 Media who questioned a representative sample of 750 dog owners.
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
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