NY: Custody of dogs in divorce

NY: This is for a friend in trouble and she needs our help. She is in the midst of a custody battle over her two black Labs. She has the dogs, however her ex is threatening to take them from her. His name is on the adoption papers, however he is not at home for more than a few hours a day and leaves the dogs crated and neglected.

Needless to say, she is devastated and yet does not want to do anything illegal, since her ex has involved the authorities. She needs some legal advice from someone who is familiar with animal rights

Animals are property. They therefore do not have "rights" beyond what is given by law in terms of negligent treatment. The adoption papers are in her ex's name? They're his property.