I consider myself more Sadie's guardian than owner. I read that article and what got me is what others have pointed out - he said guardian means equality. I have no idea how that ever made it past an editor.

I wouldn't want any new laws to affect how I raise and treat my dog, but I took the point of the guardian term as an attempt to make society have more respect for existing laws on animal abuse and neglect. The excuse "well it's just a dog" should not be a mitigating factor when a crime is committed.