Turkish Court Orders Ex-Husband to Pay Annual Pet Support for Cat Custody in Landmark Divorce Settlement

Bugra will pay Ezgi 10,000 liras (Rs 21,000) every quarter for ten years.

A divorce case in Turkey has captured international attention after a man agreed to financially support his ex-wife for the care of their two cats, establishing an unusual legal precedent. According to Turkish media outlet Yeni Safak, Bugra must pay Ezgi 10,000 liras (approximately Rs 21,000) quarterly over a ten-year period. This arrangement encompasses expenses for food, vaccinations, and other pet-related needs, and will terminate upon the death of the cats.

The couple, who ended their two-year marriage in Istanbul, reached a settlement granting Ezgi custody of the cats. In addition, Bugra consented to pay 550,000 liras (Rs 13 lakh) in financial compensation.

Attorney Aylin Esra Eren explained that under Turkey's animal protection legislation, pets are classified as "living beings," making their abandonment illegal and subject to fines reaching 60,000 lira (Rs 1.2 lakh).

She highlighted that pets abandoned without proper care often become strays, and abandoning microchipped animals on streets violates the law. Eren emphasized that this case established a legal precedent regarding pet care responsibilities.

Eren further clarified that Bugra's payment cannot be classified as alimony, as Turkish law limits such provisions to spouses or children. She noted that caring for cats requires attentive consideration to their nutrition, emotional well-being, and health, similar to child-rearing.

This case reflects Turkey's evolving perspective on considering animals as family members and underscores the country's growing pet economy. Turkey's pet population reached 20.9 million in 2023, and this ruling represents a significant step toward legally recognizing pets as family members.

As pet ownership continues to increase in Turkey, this precedent-setting decision could influence how courts handle similar cases in the future, ensuring continued care for pets even after relationships end.