Former couple’s custody battle over their dog divides N.L.’s top court
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — In a case that divided Newfoundland and Labrador’s top court over what constitutes pet ownership, a man has been awarded sole custody of a dog following a break-up with his girlfriend.
David Baker and Kelsey Harmina of St. John’s purchased Mya, a Bernese mountain dog-poodle mix, in October 2014.
After the couple split, they fought over custody of Mya in a case that eventually made its way to the province’s Court of Appeal.
First, a small claims court judge determined that Baker was Mya’s sole owner, saying that the law considers dogs personal property and that Baker paid for Mya.