A formerly-engaged couple has spent $20,000 each in their custody battle over a pug dog. The court case may change N.J. law.
Doreen Houseman and Eric Dare raised their dog Dexter together. Breaking off their engagement three years ago and going their separate ways, Dexter remains in a tug-of-war resembling a child custody battle.
The second trial to settle the pug’s ownership began Wednesday, but the judge has yet to make a decision on the matter. Houseman and Dare have collectively spent $40,000 in legal fees for a dog that cost $1,500, reports the Inquirer.
Houseman and Dare initially took turns with the now 6-year-old dog after the break up three years ago, but when Houseman began dating one of Dare’s friends in February 2007, Dare decided to keep Dexter to himself. In response, Houseman took Dare to court.
In the 2007 trial Superior Court Judge John Tomasello ruled that Dare would keep the dog and give Houseman $1,500 in compensation for how much the pug cost to buy. This decision may have come from the fact that Dare purchased the dog, paid the veterinary bills and was in possession of Dexter. Possession is nine-tenths of the law, after all.
"It's a piece of property, even though he's nice and he's cute and he's furry," Tomasello said.
But three appeals judges disagreed, a “landmark decision,” according to Houseman’s lawyer Gina Calogero.
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In March the judges ordered a second trial for the custody of Dexter, stating that a pet is not just another piece of furniture.
Judge Tomasello listened to testimony from both parties Wednesday and though he rolled his eyes to some testimony about the dog, according to the Inquirer, he decided that Dexter was joint property because both Houseman and Dare cared for him. He also said that Houseman’s claim that Dare promised to give her the dog after the split was not proven.
Tomasello asked for additional briefs from each attorney before he makes his decision. He wants each to explain exactly why he or she should get the dog.
"You both love the dog enough, and I look forward to hearing" suggestions, the judge said.
