A recent case decided by the Nassau County (N.Y.) trial court involved a dispute about the euthanasia of a family pet during a divorce. The court’s ruling indicated that the Automatic Orders in a matrimonial action did not forbid the euthanasia of a companion animal without the consent of the other party. Automatic Orders mentioned certain restrictions on the disposition of property but didn’t specifically address companion animals. The decision also referenced Legislative History, case law, and other statutory protections provided to companion animals in different contexts. The ruling emphasized that broader remedies in civil and criminal law were available to address concerns related to companion animals. Ultimately, the ruling clarified that the question at hand related specifically to the violation of Automatic Orders and did not preclude other legal avenues for the aggrieved party.