I've only read this article and not the new law that this ruling is based off of. And I don't know if it specifies which species of non-human animals it applies to.

A policy change from a dog belongs to whoever bought it to a dog will alternate weeks with X and Y (if both demonstrate care for the dog) in the context of separation/divorce and custody is interesting.

I don't know that this is about recognizing the sentience of dogs though, as was mentioned in the article. I think it's more about recognizing (multiple) human attachments to dogs. I think I like the sound of this new legal territory, but I have some concerns.

Sharing an anecdote: I separated from another vegan, and a cat lived with us. I don't think that cat would have appreciated alternating residences each week even though we both had demonstrably strong bonds with the cat. I think that would have been very scary for it. I don't know much about dogs, but I think cognitive differences between cats and dogs might be very relevant to animal welfare in the context of this law.

I guess my attitude towards this, until I learn more, is excitement for the direction but nervousness and caution that the right kind of expertise (vegans! lol) might not be available in those courts and in designing those laws