Doomed couples put pets before mortgages

Couples at the end of their relationship are more likely to argue over the custody of their pet dog than the ownership of the house.

A study by Norwich Union revealed that seven in ten people would opt for ownership of their dog rather than their house in the event of a breakdown in their relationship.

In addition, 68 per cent of respondents would push for custody of a cat compared to just 37 per cent who would fight to retain the car.

Most bizarrely, 57 per cent said they would put up a fight for the fish tank.

Leading pet behavioural expert, Carrie Evans, commented on the findings: "A household pet can function as a third person in a relationship, a role which enables them to manipulate the behaviour of both parties and disrupt the balance. This has been evident during TV reality show Big Brother with the housemates forming close bonds with the resident chickens.

"While a third of respondents admit pets and their upkeep can be a cause of arguments it?s surprising that almost a quarter of those questioned are prepared to commit to a pet by the time they move in with a partner, if not earlier."

Paul Fowle at Norwich Union urged pet-owners to check their insurance covers consultation with an animal behavioural specialist ? pets, he says, can also suffer in the breakdown in a relationship and will often pine for the missing partner.

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