Australia reforms family law to recognize importance of animal-people.

The Australian government has made changes to its family law, acknowledging the importance of animal companions in family disputes. The reforms will take effect in June of this year and will consider the bonds between animal and human family members. In cases of separation, courts will establish which party is the main caregiver and who would provide the best home for the animal companions. Australia joins Spain in legally recognizing animal-people sentience by considering their welfare when couples break up or divorce.

Australia is a recipient of five Shining World Leadership Awards for Compassion, and Shining World Leadership Awards for Protection and Good Governance; as well as a laureate of three Shining World Leadership Awards for Compassion, and Shining World Leadership Awards for Caring, Good Governance, Health Guardian and High Moral Value.

Our heartfelt thanks, Australia, on your new family law acknowledging the value and welfare of animal companions. In Celestial governance, may all nations soon enact such legislation to protect animal-citizens and thus promote a humane, compassionate world.