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.

Does this groomer owe me Duty of Care?

I have lost my dog due to the negligence of a dog groomer. Groomer stated my dog collapsed while being dried. The incident based on court records occurred at 11:30am. I was not notified until 12:30pm and demanded that the groomer take my dog to a vet 3 minutes away from her store. When I arrived to inquire about what happened I saw that the groomer did not take my pet anywhere. I picked him up off the floor and raced to the nearby vet…the Vet detected a pulse and tried to save him…but she couldn’t. My question is, does the Groomer owe me a duty of care for my pet? I don’t know if it makes a difference, but she is an LLC. Thank you.

By |2024-09-12T09:50:30-04:00September 2nd, 2024|

Trying to get my puppy back.

My ex was watching our puppy when I was told she ran away. I then come to find out the owner of where my ex lives took the puppy and dumped her across town. He told me that he had called animal control. They went down there, and nothing was found on the 18th of the month. I was in the area, so I went in and asked to look and there she was! Unfortunately, the amount to get her out was 277.00 and I don't have that kind of money. Animal control wouldn't work with me. This was on the 20th of the same month. Now I found her at a rescue center with the price of 459. I can't get her out, I want my puppy back please help me.

By |2024-09-12T09:39:32-04:00August 31st, 2024|

Boss threatens to get rid of my outdoor cats.

I live in a rural town, so there are a lot of animals around. I own 9 outside cats (mommas are fixed, the 7 kittens will follow). They hang out at my boss's restaurant deck all the time, which is not fenced and open to the public, because it’s shady and has trees to climb (we have 40 degrees sometimes). They don’t do any harm. Now she threatened me to give them away or trap them and get rid of them. Is that allowed?

By |2024-09-12T09:30:02-04:00August 28th, 2024|

My neighbor’s dogs attacked my dog.

What should I do? I live in a rented townhome. The fence is very dilapidated and allows my dog to get out. Property management is aware and hasn't fixed the problem so my dog can get next door. I've gotten to know my neighbor and when my dog would get through the fence, she would allow him into her home with her 4 other dogs. At least one of Wernick has attacked her friend's dog. I did not know that that had happened. Not until my dog was attacked in her home while I was at work. I received a text that my dog was in a fight with her dog and to come home. I saw the text an hour later and came home immediately. He was seriously injured, and we both went to the vet with him. After learning I couldn't afford surgery, she covered that bill after I paid 430 dollars. When he was released, she offered her vet for after care. He needed another surgery and ultimately died. She's not paying for it, and I can't get his ashes till it's paid. Her friend told me about the previous attack after the event. How do I get help to pay for treatment? Also how do I get the proper attention to her vicious dogs?

By |2024-09-12T09:41:41-04:00August 25th, 2024|

Volunteer trainer rights for adoption from a service dog in training.

As a volunteer trainer of 4Paws for Abilities organization, I have been asked to return the dog for evaluation and change in volunteer trainer. My family is extremely emotionally attached to the dog. I would like to understand how I can opt for adoption and take my dog out of service training program. Do I have any chances? Is there a legal consultation me and my family get in this matter.

By |2024-09-11T16:28:48-04:00August 11th, 2024|
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