Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have settled most details of their divorce finalized in January, but conflicts remain over the care of their numerous animals. The issue of Nicole Kidman animal custody has emerged as a main point of tension between the former couple as they work through their separation.
The Current Care Situation for Their Animals
The pair owns a variety of pets living on their Nashville farm, currently under the supervision of hired staff.
“They have a menagerie of animals on the farm [in Nashville] that are being looked after by the staff at the moment,”
a source told the National Enquirer. Nicole has retained custody of all the animals for now, as Keith reportedly does not have appropriate accommodations for them.
“Nicole has kept them all for now because it’s just not feasible for Keith to take them on. He doesn’t have the right set up,”
the source added.
Keith Urban’s Separation and Future Plans
Following their split, Keith Urban, 58, secured his own residence in Nashville after moving out of their family home in September, as reported by TMZ. The arrangement for the animals’ care is expected to change as Nicole considers relocating permanently to Australia.
“At some point soon, they do need to sort it out because Nicole is very seriously talking about moving back to Australia full time,”
the source revealed.
“When that happens, a decision will need to be made because she’s not going to be able to bring them all with her.”
Legal Challenges With Moving Animals to Australia
The couple jointly owns a 110-acre farm in New South Wales, Australia, but laws governing animal import make transferring pets extremely difficult.
“There are too many laws … about bringing animals into the country,”
the source explained.
“It’s going to be hard enough with the dogs and cats they have. Shipping over alpacas and all the others is simply a no-go.”
Tensions Rise Over Animal Responsibilities
This complicated situation has left Nicole in a challenging position regarding the animals’ future well-being. The source expressed frustration over Keith’s unwillingness to assume more responsibility.
“It would be fantastic if Keith could get it together and take them all on, but he has not stepped up and it’s all falling on Nicole’s shoulders,”
the source said.
“[It’s] very unfair and leading to a lot of resentment.”
