He is right in that if there is a divorce pending, neither side can remove property or assets (unless the other spouse consents) until the divorce is final and the ownersip and/or distribution of assets confirmed...or without a court order. You can go to the family court in which your divorce is pending to make a motion seeking a court order that you be allowed to remove the animals for their safety. The court has the power to order this, possibly contingent on some reasonable steps to protect your spouse if it is later determined that he had some right to the animals: e.g. you could be ordered to escrow some money as a surety. Such a motion can generally be heard on around 3 - 5 weeks notice, but if time if of the essence, there is a procedural mechanism, often called an "order to show cause," to get in front of the court faster. Motions, especially when done on such an expedited basis, can be procedurally complex for non-lawyers; you are advised to retain a family law attorney to help you.