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.

I want my dog back.

Okay, my wife went to jail while she was walking my dog, and she ended up getting arrested. The police took my dog to the humane society. At the time, I didn't have $30, so they wouldn't give my dog back. Later, I called them, and they said it was now up to $50. Sadly, they adopted my baby to another family, and when I talked to them, they said they couldn't work with me or do anything, and that he is pretty much gone. However, my dog is microchipped, and his tags were up to date too. Please help.

By |2023-07-17T16:43:37-04:00June 24th, 2023|

How can I get my dog back after selling it?

I bought my daughter a puppy to help with her depression on September 2nd, 2022. 2 days ago, we sold the puppy to see if she would be okay without her and she is not. We have a doctor's note that she HAS to have the dog with her at ALL times. The family that has the puppy is rude and irresponsible and we want the puppy back. How do we get her back? (No contract was signed)

By |2023-06-20T16:57:43-04:00June 20th, 2023|

Can my sister legally give my dogs away or let them loose without my permission?

I live with my sister and her and I had got into an altercation. She advised that she will no longer care for small senior dogs while I'm at work. She said if I don't take them with me when I leave that she will take them to the pound or let them loose. I've decided to move back home to California in 30 days but in the meantime, I cannot take my dogs with me to work, nor can I take them everywhere I go because of the weather temps here so I quit my job. She doesn't want them on her property unless I'm here. I believe it's an act of control and revenge. Can she legally give my dogs away or let them loose without my permission?

By |2023-06-20T16:53:40-04:00June 20th, 2023|

While my brother in law is in prison, I have cared for his dogs and my children are very attached to them and they are very attached to us. He may decide to take them back because of their health. What can I do?

My brother-in-law went to prison for 5 years he is still in prison he asked if we (my husband “his brother” and I could take the dogs in we said yes easily as dog lovers. We had the dogs over a year nearly two. One of the two dogs has a tumor, and I can’t afford surgery. Now he wants to take the dogs and send them to his aunt so she can get medical care and keep the dogs. I’ve invested a lot of money in these dogs, and I don’t want to give them up. By law am I obligated to give them up. His name is still on their microchips. But I’ve been feeding and housing them for the past year and half me and my children are very attached to them and they are very attached to us. What can I do?

By |2023-06-20T16:49:11-04:00June 20th, 2023|

My dog I took to an animal shelter but desperately need back.

I got a dog we picked up on the side of the street. My daughter and I fell in love with it, but my husband said it had to go. So we drove it to the Huntsville humane, but my daughter hasn't stopped crying since, and to be truthful, I've had a hard time too. I need to get the dog back, but I don't see him on the website yet. It's been almost 1.5 days, and I'm getting worried. Will they even let me get him back after my husband told them his name and info? How can I get him back?

By |2023-07-17T16:42:12-04:00June 20th, 2023|

Breeder lied about Purebred Status. What can I do?

KSL Breeder advertised Purebred White German Shepherd for $500.00. A year later I did a DNA test to find out he is not a purebred White German Shepherd, but only 66.7% White Shepherd and 20.8% Husky and 11.5 Shiloh Shepherd. Can I do anything?

By |2023-06-20T16:31:52-04:00June 20th, 2023|

Parental neglect.

I am a minor who is coming into possession of a cat. I love this cat with all my heart, and I will pay all necessary fees to keep her alive. However, my family refuses to keep this cat at our house, so I am sharing custody of this cat with a friend of mine. She is allowed to keep this cat; however, her stepfather is a mean drunk and has a history of giving away pets in the house for money or otherwise. There is no other place I can keep this cat. If her stepfather removes the cat, what can I do about it, and what legal repercussions can I enforce? If he lays one finger on my baby, I swear to God I will throw the book at him. Please help.

By |2023-07-17T16:28:04-04:00June 20th, 2023|
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