Our Story

In February 2022, Kano was given to me as a foster pup by my coworker.  My coworker and I agreed that I would care for Kano until April or May, and that she would provide all supplies and assume full financial responsibility for Kano's care.  I later learned my co-worker's mother, Kano’s primary caretaker and owner, was sadly diagnosed with health issues and temporarily placed in a care facility.  Her adult son lived with her, but was incarcerated once again for a DUI and related charges.  As a result, Kano was abandoned in the home with no heat in the frigid winter.  Left in his crate for days at a time, he was denied regular access to food, water, toys, and a place to relieve himself.  My coworker discovered the other dog in the home deceased and decaying amongst the house debris.  When Kano arrived at my home on February 18th, he was dirty and horribly emaciated. Kano was so dehydrated that his coat was plagued with dandruff, his lips were cracked and bleeding, and his eyes were bloodshot and cloudy.  He was also later diagnosed by our vet with a double ear infection, interdigital dermatitis, conjunctivitis, separation anxiety, and atopic dermatitis.

Under my care, Kano gained over 30lbs and all of his medical issues were resolved.  His days were filled with walks around the neighborhood, during which he visited his favorite human friends.  He had piles of toys, and it was truly amazing watching him learn how to be a playful puppy.  Kano was always ready to play Tug, Tag, Fetch, and Find It.  Kano made so many of us laugh while showing off his skateboarding skills.  He enjoyed learning new tricks and was becoming less reactive during our treat-filled training sessions (blueberries and chicken were his favorite!).  He absolutely loved being able to free-roam my home, choosing to snooze on the couch until I returned from work.  Incredibly, what Kano wanted most was my attention and affection.  He followed me everywhere...even into the bathroom.  Witnessing his transformation was such a powerful, moving experience.  As you can see from the pictures, Kano was healthy, and more importantly, happy.

On March 26th my boyfriend and I met at a local dog park with my co-worker and her husband, and my coworker's mother, Kano’s primary caretaker and owner.  Kano's owner told me and my boyfriend that we could keep Kano: “I can see how happy he is, and how much he loves you and you love him.  Keep the dog.”  To say we were thrilled would be an understatement.  We left the dog park overjoyed and relieved.  We were finally a family.  Or so we thought. 

About one month later, I was informed that Kano's former owner's son had been released from jail and was demanding “his dog” be returned.  A grueling legal battle for custody of Kano followed.  

During several, nonconsecutive days of virtual trial:    

• photographic evidence was submitted regarding the terrible condition Kano came to me in, reflecting the abandonment, neglect, and abuse he suffered 

• there was no evidence provided that Kano was registered or licensed to this man, the son of Kano's former primary caretaker and owner

• the plaintiffs provided contradictory testimony regarding who was actually Kano's original "owner" 

• the plaintiffs admitted that my co-worker's mother, Kano’s primary caretaker and owner, paid the majority of Kano's purchase price & Kano resided in her home, where she was his caregiver

• my coworker's mother, Kano’s primary caretaker and owner, did not testify

• my coworker's brother (and the son of Kano's primary caretaker and owner) did not attend trial until the last day of testimony, when he submitted a supposed copy of a Venmo receipt for a deposit towards the purchase of Kano

Despite all of this and more, on Friday, September 16, 2022, the Gloucester Township civil court of New Jersey ruled that Kano should be returned to this man’s custody.  The two deciding factors were: 

1.) there was no physical “receipt” for Kano’s owner relinquishing her ownership, and 

2.) Kano, like all pets, is considered PROPERTY.  

According to the current laws, pets are no different than a TV or toaster.  Therefore, the original ownership takes precedence over Kano’s best interests.  This is true for all companion animals in all 50 states in the USA.  As their lawyer stated, “It doesn’t matter what the dog’s best interests are.  The law is the law.  He is a piece of property and that property needs to be returned to its owner.” 

Since the ruling, the tears haven't stopped and the frustration continues to build.  My concern for Kano's safety, wellbeing, and happiness is compounded by the relentless questioning:  How can his best interests not be considered when determining his future?  How can any living being with sentience be equated to an inanimate object?  In this great country, whose basic principles were founded on the ideas of liberty, freedom, and justice for all, how can we deny our furry companions this right?  If the majority of Americans regard their pets as family members, why do the laws so blatantly disregard, undermine, and contradict this American value and the moral significance it has to its people?  At what point do we say enough is enough?  I believe, as do so many others, that time is now.  

The judicial system failed Kano.  Even more tragic, this horrific denial of justice is all too common for our companion animals.  Current laws equating pets to property are antiquated and harmful, not only to our companions, but to our communities and society as a whole.  I created Kano's Law to end the legal status of pets as merely property, so that their best interests are legally considered and protected when determining custody and visitation rights.  

I hope Kano's Law will save the countless animals suffering at the hands of the inept and heartless.  We need to be their voice.  Help us tell Congress that it's time to uphold its obligation to its people and create laws that reflect the ideals and values of the overwhelming majority.   Demand Congress recognize pets are family, not property, and that their best interests should be legally protected and recognized.  Please add your signature to our petition and help us get Kano's Law passed immediately.

"We're asking for such a small, simple thing - for the laws to reflect what we already know: pets are family, NOT property. They are sentient, living beings with thoughts, emotions, and the capacity to bond with others. They are not, biologically or ideologically, equivalent to inanimate objects.  That is why I am fighting for Kano and will continue to fight for Kano and every animal that is suffering as a result of their unjust legal status as property."

-Sofia Martianou