This month, Alaska became the first state in which judges are required to consider animal welfare in cases where divorcing couples have a pet.

Legislation signed by Gov. Bill Walker (I) in October, which became effective Jan. 17, adds amendments to the states divorce laws that have major implications not only for animal welfare, but for the health and safety of human beings as well.

Generally, animals are considered property under the law. But Alaskas new amendments mean that a judge cannot simply regard a pet in a divorce case the same way they would a table or a chair, and instead must take the well-being of the animal into consideration when making decisions, The Washington Post reports. The law also makes legal joint custody of a pet an option.