Question
Earlier this year, I reached out to a rescue to help me re-home some puppies because I was overwhelmed. Five of my dogs all got pregnant and had babies just days apart. Before the puppies were born, I was already struggling, but I was managing. After the puppies arrived, I became completely overwhelmed, so I finally sought help.
The woman from the rescue came and took the puppies. She said that because of their age, the mother dogs had to go too. I asked about getting them back, and she assured me I would, even drawing up a contract stating that after the puppies were weaned, I would get the mother dogs back.
Unfortunately, she did something I never expected: she posted about the situation on social media, painted me as the bad guy, and called the police, who arrested me for animal cruelty. This is far from the truth. While I acknowledge I had too many dogs, I was not cruel—I provided food, water, and daily outdoor time for all of them. That is why I reached out for help in the first place.
Now, the woman won’t answer my calls, and the pound is not letting me see the other animals they took from my house. I don’t know what to do, but my animals are my life, and I need help.
Answer
I hope that all the dogs and puppies are doing well. People who are charged with cruelty to animals should retain a criminal defense attorney, if possible, or check with legal services organizations. Local courts can provide guidance on getting an attorney appointed. People who are charged with animal cruelty/neglect have an opportunity to defend against the charges.
Cruelty under the law also includes neglect. It is possible that law enforcement officers believed that the dogs and puppies were not provided with a sufficient supply of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.
Many states have enacted laws pertaining to the forfeiture of animals who are seized and whose “parents” have been charged with mistreating the animals. Louisiana law states: “Upon a person’s conviction of cruelty to animals, it shall be proper for the court, in its discretion, to order the forfeiture and final determination of the custody of any animal found to be cruelly treated…” There are also provisions in the law for forfeiture of an animal prior to conviction. Louisiana’s law in this regard provides that a person whose animal was seized may be required to post a bond with the court for the care of the animal
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