THE RATS ARE MINE: Stella and Jason Hulott with their agreement MM0846/2

A MARRIED couple have drawn up a custody agreement over the cats and rodents housed at their animal rescue centre in case they divorce.

Stella Hulott, 36, and her husband, Jason, 30, who both work at Moneynet Personal Finance, in Stanley Road, Bromley, set up Cavey Rescue Centre for guinea pigs, cats and rats, six months ago.

The couple, who live in Rochester, have now drawn up a custody agreement after watching animal-loving friends split from their partners and argue over rights to their pets.

The insurance policy sets out a legally-binding custody agreement and, in the event of a divorce or separation, covers £25,000 of any legal costs arising from fights over the animals.

Mrs Hulott said: "Ultraviolet was the only insurance company not to laugh at us because they specialise in unusual requests."

"We've seen friends split up from the stress of running animal rescue centres and we want to put the animals first if the same thing happens to us."

Mrs Hulott would take the centre's five cats while her husband will keep the 30 guinea pigs, and 16 rats.

He would also keep four degus (also know as Chilean ground squirrels), four hamsters as well as two chinchillas.

Mr Hulott said: "The agreement makes sense but I think our relationship will last because we are both keen, fulfilled and have the same goals."

11:55am Tuesday 16th July 2002

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