Question
After losing our apartment, we have been staying with my sister. She is threatening to take my dogs to animal control can she legally do this?
Answer
It is unlawful to steal a pet and surrender that animal to animal control. However, a person is generally under no obligation to have her sister’s pets living in her home (or adult sister for that matter). Temporarily boarding the animals with willing friends, family, or at a boarding facility (check it out first) may resolve this issue. In the meantime, shelters can be provided with photos of the dogs and informed to contact you in the event the dogs are surrendered (but certainly visit the shelters if the dogs are no longer in the home). Keep in mind you will need to have a place to take them where they are welcome!
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