Animal control took my pets.

Question

My pets were taken last Thursday, my lawyer has said they are pressing charges, but I haven't reviewed any paperwork yet. My lawyer hasn't told me how to retrieve them, but I've read online I need to request a hearing in 14 days. They told me they took them because we were gone and one dog had fly strike on the ears, while my Doberman had no issues. My dogs are loved, what can I do?

Michigan, USA

Answer

This column is to provide general information, not representation. Consider retaining an attorney or consulting with a legal services organization in your area. Time is of the essence.

It is not clear from your inquiry why animal control seized your dogs, e.g., whether they were running in public unsupervised or were seized for animal cruelty/neglect or because they allegedly bit someone, or for some other reason. Rights would be different depending on the facts and circumstances. For example, lost and stray animals who are seized by animal control are typically returned upon payment of impound fees if retrieved in a timely manner. When animals are seized because of cruelty or neglect, they are often held pending the outcome of the criminal case or pretrial forfeiture hearing where the court may order the animals to be forfeited if the animal’s “parent” does not deposit money or other security to cover the cost of the animal’s impoundment pending the result of the criminal case. When dogs are seized for biting, there are procedures under the law for a dangerous dog hearing. In sum, rights are very dependent on why animal control took your dogs. Regardless of why the dogs were seized, attorney intervention may be helpful.

I hope this all works out well for the dogs!