A Regina judge says a dog owner's adamant anti-vaccine views ultimately decided who got ownership of Charlie the pug in a canine custody dispute.

Provincial court Judge Paul Demong wrote that he appreciated the stakes in the case.

"These types of claims tear at the heartstrings of a judge," he wrote in his May 1 civil court decision.

"Having to decide whether a person is to be denied access to, and possession of, a pet that they have loved and cared for over many years is not an enjoyable task."

In…