Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Ex-Lovers Go To Court Over Custody Of Tiny Dog
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Dec 30, 2011
Modified Dec 30, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Dec 30, 2011
Modified Dec 30, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A couple whose romance went sour took to the court for a custody battle of miniature proportions, arguing over who owns their two-year-old Maltese, named Bubkas.
Adam Le Conte and Kyungmi Lee received the dog as a gift from Le Conte's parents in 2009. When they broke up a year later, Lee took care of the pup for about two months while Le Conte traveled and “sought a suitable home for himself and Bubkas,” according to the papers. But when Le Conte returned, Lee didn't want to give Bubkas up, objecting to Le Conte's decision to sometimes crate the dog. Le Conte promptly sued Lee for the return of the dog, saying that he "never surrendered, conveyed, or abandoned the dog.”
A judge ruled that Bubkas wasn't in any danger from the crate, and therefore, Le Conte was “entitled to the return of his canine companion.” He did also add that “While there is no legal obligation to do so," he hopes the ex-couple can work out a compromise so they can both see the dog.
This isn't the first time a four-legged friend has been at the center of a romance gone awry: earlier this year, a goldendoodle named Lucy was at the center of an ugly Brooklyn divorce battle. Maybe all those dog-less exes should look in to adopting the Brooklyn wolf-dog as a replacement pet instead?
Tagged
bad romance
bubkas
custody battle
dog
maltese
Jamie Feldmar
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .