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.

Can I request the name of the person who took my cat to a shelter?

My cat was taken from my neighborhood and driven two states away to a shelter. The person wanted to adopt the cat after the waiting period. Luckily my cat has a microchip. Can I legally request the name of the person who dropped off my cat? I want to know who took her from us.

By |2024-12-10T11:12:42-04:00November 10th, 2024|

Adopting after a pet surrender.

My mother surrendered a dog 10 years ago. She became homeless and had no choice. Today, she is stable and needs a companion. She was approved initially but was denied due to this surrender 10 years ago. Is there a law that can help her adopt without citing a surrender from so long ago?

By |2024-12-10T10:57:30-04:00November 6th, 2024|

How to proceed after an adoption scam?

What paperwork is needed for an adoption of a puppy? At first it says free and then they said they want to get a gift card with money on it and they want the codes on them. I don't know why these people are asking for gift cards. How can I legally proceed because I've already been scammed?

By |2024-12-10T10:44:42-04:00November 6th, 2024|

My dog killed another dog.

Do I have to euthanize my dog if he killed another dog? I’ve offered to pay what the dog was worth and cremation. They are wanting that plus to euthanize.

By |2024-11-22T16:26:01-04:00November 1st, 2024|

My ex is trying to take our dog back so she can euthanize her.

My ex acquired the dog is a puppy. She was already 5 when she came into my life. Around September of 2022, the ex asked me to take the dog, saying she’s better off with me. She offered to provide for food and vet expenses. I never asked my ex for any reimbursement and the dog food. The dog had just been put on a specialized kidney diet, which is rather expensive when you compare it to other dog food and requires a prescription. Now the dog is 16 with kidney disease but responding really well to treatment. She began having some health issues in September of this year and my ex is demanding the dog be euthanized. After having given her to me to care for she is now asking to take her so she can have her put down. I’m refusing to hand her over for this reason as well as the fact she is better off with me. Do I have a case?

By |2024-11-22T16:29:48-04:00November 1st, 2024|

My neighbor poisoned and killed my dog.

I had a healthy Cane Corso 5-year-old dog. I live on the 9th floor. My neighbor who lives on the 8th floor kept spraying him with insecticide, I have all my complaint petitions I have camera footage and photo footage. My dog ​​died today. I want to complain about my downstairs neighbor and file a lawsuit for compensation.

By |2024-11-22T16:31:02-04:00October 30th, 2024|

Emotional support animal certificates.

I know there are ways to get an emotional support animal certificate to help with housing. I've also heard there are many scams out there. Can you recommend a particular organizational that is trustworthy to apply for and receive an emotional support dog certificate?

By |2024-11-22T16:33:04-04:00October 30th, 2024|

Can animal control take my neighbors neglected dogs?

My neighbors have 4 dogs in a one-bedroom apartment and are hardly home. They have been gone for over 48 hours now and kennel all 4 dogs in one kennel that is too small for even one of them. The police can't help, since the owners are gone.

By |2024-11-22T16:35:27-04:00October 23rd, 2024|

Fraudulent dog breeder scammed me.

I unfortunately signed a contract while purchasing what I thought was a Morkie, but realized the puppy is a Chihuahua which isn't healthy for my daughter due to its aggressive, feisty, biting traits. The breeder falsified records and pictures. He had a strict no refund policy. Is there anything I can do since he guaranteed a specific breed but lied?

By |2024-11-22T16:36:41-04:00October 20th, 2024|
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