Can an Animal Shelter Refuse to Return My Cats After I Was Arrested?

Question

My cats were in my car with me while I was out driving, and I ended up getting arrested. My cats were taken to the animal shelter, and animal control told me that I could pay the required fees and get them back. When I went to retrieve them, the woman at the shelter gave me the amount I needed to pay. After I walked back to my car, she called the police and falsely claimed that I had yelled at her. I never raised my voice. As a result, I was arrested again because of fines in another county, so I was still unable to get my cats back.

I want and need my cats back. There have never been any issues regarding how I care for them. They are healthy, well cared for, and very loved. The shelter employee also claimed that my cats had fleas, but I know they did not. I feel like the shelter is lying, but no one has explained anything to me. What can I do to get my cats back?

Answer

People who believe that their animals are being wrongfully withheld can contact the police and can also commence a civil lawsuit to try to get the animals returned. I hope that everyone involved considers the long-term best interests of these cats who should have a loving and stable home. 

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By |2026-05-14T13:20:07-04:00April 20th, 2026|

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