Pet Legal Q&A

Elinor D. Molbegott, is an attorney who maintains a law practice devoted to animal law. Elinor donates her time to answer questions from North Shore Animal League America supporters who would like to learn more about animal law.


Emergency tail amputation due to groomer negligence.

Our dog had to have emergency surgery to amputate her tail due to groomer negligence. Groomer and her insurance company are accepting liability and will cover vet costs... but do we have any recourse for any future complications that may arise after our dog is healed from this surgery? The insurance company is saying no.

By |2025-05-07T15:24:02-04:00April 30th, 2025|

The pound gave my dog $40 worth of vaccines.

My dog got out and shortly after was picked up by the pound. While I understand the impound fee, they are also charging me for $40 worth of vaccines which they administered upon her arrival and without my consent. I have proof that my dog has all needed vaccines and is up to date. All licenses, fees, etc., are up to date as well. Can I refuse to pay for the vaccines?

By |2025-05-07T15:22:10-04:00April 30th, 2025|

My neighbor stole and rehomed my cat.

My neighbor stole my cat than rehomed him. I’m suing them, but it's just so hard to find attorney to take my case. I have a court date already and it’s in July. Any suggestions or advice?

By |2025-05-07T15:20:03-04:00April 16th, 2025|

Scammed by Facebook breeder.

I have been scammed by a person who said they are a breeder on Facebook. She FaceTimed through Messenger, and I saw the puppy. I sent her a deposit of $500.00 through Zelle, but I have no contract. This women has been stringing us along for the past 2 days and she was supposed to be bringing me them, then something comes up. I don't know what to do. I don’t have her phone number or address. She would not call me or text me on my phone. Everything was through messenger. I was just wondering what my options were.

By |2025-05-07T15:17:37-04:00April 16th, 2025|

Can I hold my pet groomer responsible?

Can I hold my pet groomer responsible for letting my fur baby catch kennel cough while there? The cough caused him to start having seizures and his little body couldn't take the seizures and I was holding him in my arms when he had 3 back to back which took his life.

By |2025-05-07T15:11:10-04:00April 10th, 2025|

What process I should try for getting my dog back?

My dog had a cyst like mass on her head. I could afford her normal vet care and was getting her checkups about it. Surgery cost $1000s. She got infected from scratching it. Tried for emergency help no one would do it reasonably. Went to animal shelter as a last result for help. They said I had to put her down or see if a rescue would help her. Wasn’t going to kill her. I opted for help so she’d stay alive and they made it seem like I could get her back and everything. Made me surrender her just for the foster lady at rescue to basically keep my dog and never even put her back with me. She’s my emotional support. Had her for 10 years since puppy. How do I get her back? I don’t mind doing the legal route but I need to know my options.

By |2025-05-07T15:09:09-04:00April 10th, 2025|

Neighbor neglects small young dog.

A neighbor keeps its small dog tied or chained to a fence in their back yard during inclement weather (rain, storms, lightning, and horrific winds with threats of tornadoes. As I speak the little dog has been tied up for 13 hours. The little dog has no shelter, and it is raining and cold. I called animal control they came; I saw them in the back yard talking with a woman and asked for a report back but have not heard from the officer yet. Tomorrow I will file a formal complaint with the Sheriff's Office of Montgomery County in Tennessee as well as contact the Humane Society and file a complaint with them. At times the little dog is chained or tied up overnight. Any suggestion on how to move forward will be appreciated.

By |2025-05-07T15:06:19-04:00April 5th, 2025|

A family member is a cat hoarder.

She is being evicted from my sister's 500 square foot apt for various reasons but also brought in 8 cats. My sister understands crowded conditions do not equal abuse, as she has an animal rescue and boarding background, but she says conditions are poor. They are moving out into an even smaller studio apt and planning on bringing now 11 cats. Her son, my sister's husband, plans to build a large catio for the cats but this was my sister's idea. The hoarder thinks she is doing nothing wrong, and it is likely she will just bring in more cats. Maybe other people have hoarders in their family would be interested in your answer as well.

By |2025-04-04T13:08:50-04:00March 26th, 2025|
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