A judge in Spain has granted joint custody of a dog to a separated couple who went to court to determine who the pet should live with. The Madrid court considered that both parties were “jointly responsible” and “co-caretakers” of Panda the dog. A lawyer who brought the case to court said it was a “pioneering” ruling. Spain is currently drafting new legislation so that animals are no longer considered objects and are legally recognised as living beings. This status would make it easier for a partner to request joint custody of a pet following a breakup. But Lola García, from the Law & Animals law firm, brought this case to court under the 1987 European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, which Spain ratified in 2017.(BBC)…[+]