Every so often a case crosses our desks that reminds us
why pet-law disputes tug so hard on people's hearts, and also
why the courts have such a tough job keeping those hearts separate
from the actual legal framework.
Introducing Singh v Smith, 2025 ABKB 715, a case
that begins with four cats, two humans, one breakup, and a
whirlwind of feelings. It ends with a judge explaining, with
admirable empathy, why Alberta is not ready for a “best
interests of the cat” doctrine.
Background
Mr. Singh and Ms. Smith lived together from 2016 to 2022, and
during those years became the proud humans of four cats: Salem,
Diablo, Zora and Samara.
When the couple split in March 2023, emotions ran high. Ms.
Smith left the home one evening after a fight, and when she
returned the next day… the cats were gone! Mr. Singh had
crated them up and whisked them away.
