sorry to hear what happened ,i agree with inch worm however i would add if a persons capable of such evil towards an animal , let your lawyers no straight away as it may help
you go for custody of your kids ,
good luck x
Just a tip from someone who has literally just been through the custody battle, if you are in the uk dont bring it up in court unless your solicitor insists as my ex brought up lots of 'petty' things like this and the judge laughed him out of court. It can come across like you are 'clutching at straws' as the judge said. Just smile and dont retaliate as men get a real crap bargain when it comes to kids, and us women can be vile