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Pet Legal Q&A

///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.

How can I get dog back after changing mind bout re-homing?

I recently re-homed my dog, on social media they looked like a good family. In person they were really nice and dog friendly people. Upon further digging I found the family who took her follow and participate in illegal breeding and dog fighting. Upon finding all this I messaged the people telling them I made a mistake and would actually like her back. I got blocked. But I’m wondering is there a way to go about getting the dog back? If I get the cops involved can they do anything to help?

By |2023-12-08T16:04:31+00:00December 8th, 2023|

Can a temporary boarding become permanent due to safety concerns?

I received this wonderful dog from someone who needed temporary boarding while she went through a court ordered rehab program. I was told she would be with us for 3-4 months. And I agreed to return her contingent on the original owner proving sobriety and stability. When the dog was first placed in my care I noticed that she was physically healthy but extremely anxious and traumatized. The previous caretaker was drugging her daily with a tranquilizer that was not prescribed for her. It has now been over ten months, no communication from the original owner. The dog is doing wonderfully well, is happy and well adjusted and feels safe. Yesterday I was informed the original owner wants the dog back now. I have also since learned that the initial court ordered rehab was due to a violent incident. Can I refuse to return the dog, citing safety and stability concerns and breach of the original agreement? Since I didn’t hear from them for months after the terms of the original agreement, could it be considered abandonment of property?

By |2023-12-08T15:21:36+00:00November 28th, 2023|

Minor signed contract to relinquish dog, can they void contract?

Our rescue just took in 2 weeks ago a dog from a guardian. We had her sign the relinquishment form. The father made the arrangements to relinquish the dog, but the 16 year old daughter signed the form. Now the mother wants the dog back after 2 weeks. Can they legally take back the dog?

By |2023-12-08T15:01:08+00:00November 28th, 2023|

“Foster” (Relinquisher) refuses to give cat to approved adopter.

I’m the president of an animal rescue organization in Oceanside. We have a shortage of Foster’s so we have a program called bring your own foster. Which is basically keep your animal in your home, and we will adopt it out. We have a great adopter for a cat that we brought into organization this way. Contract signed, fees paid, adopters excited… Relinquisher changed her mind. Help.

By |2023-12-08T14:54:56+00:00November 28th, 2023|

How can I get my indoor/outdoor cat back from Humane Society?

My cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, he was picked up by the Humane Society last night as a lost animal (when he was close to home). How can I get him back? I cannot afford the fees they are asking for. I don’t understand why I need to pay to get my animal back when he was taken from his home area being an outdoor cat 90% of the time.

By |2023-12-08T14:47:52+00:00November 28th, 2023|

Rights of owner.

How can a city force you to remove your dog's testicles or force you to pay to keep them? My dog got picked up, and the shelter said those are my only choices, or he gets put down if I'm not willing to do either.

By |2023-10-19T10:26:40+00:00September 20th, 2023|

Legal ownership.

I bought my dog and registered him under my name with the city, but my girlfriend put her information on the microchip. Since I registered him, does that legally make him mine?

By |2023-10-19T10:24:24+00:00September 19th, 2023|

Dog Within Family.

Hi, my brother is in a nursing home and will not be coming home. I have his dog and would like to know how much authority I have in the dog's life. I do tell people he is my brother's dog, and I have custody. What exactly does that mean? Do I have to ask my brother about everything I do with the dog?

By |2023-10-19T10:34:22+00:00September 16th, 2023|

How to get my dog back?

If someone took me to court over my dog, and the person won because they paid for the dog, but I’ve had the dog for 2 years, how could I fight that?

By |2023-10-19T10:36:30+00:00September 16th, 2023|

Can I sue the Vet for losing our dogs ashes?

The vet lost our dog's ashes after the cremation process and did not return the blanket we used when we put our dog down, which we used every day. They also didn't refund the money. I would appreciate some other opinions on this.

By |2023-10-19T10:18:10+00:00September 12th, 2023|