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.

Legal ownership from ex partner’s dogs

My ex partner adopted two dogs 3 years ago. We broke up a month ago and he agreed to give them to me since he is busy with work. I am afraid he changes his mind and asks me to give them back. Does he have the right to do so? I have already registered the dog's chips under my name and in American Kennel.

By |2022-06-28T09:59:19-04:00June 5th, 2022|

Neglect of cats

My 2 cats have IBD and must eat. They’re shy & easily stressed. I emphasized the importance of them eating to the kennel operator both verbally and in writing. I brought different food varieties and an appetite stimulant for emergency use. I told the owner that if cats don’t eat they develop liver disease, and one of them had already experienced that in the past. Each day she told me in writing they were both eating well. When I picked them up they were both extremely thin. She told me I feed them too much, which meant they weren’t eating and she was discarding the food. I can’t recall if I signed a waiver because I was already upset about leaving them there. Do I have recourse?

By |2022-06-28T09:58:35-04:00May 28th, 2022|

My cat has been trapped!!!

My cat was trapped by my neighbor and she was out there for hours meowing we saved her in the end but she has been mad and scared since she has been hiding. The neighbors did not even tell my family that he disliked my cat. We have been keeping her inside but I’m still scared she will get trapped or killed or be lost forever. Her life is on the line please help!

By |2022-06-28T09:52:39-04:00May 26th, 2022|

Dog custody conflict

My friend passed away unexpectedly. He leaves behind a year old golden doodle. His girlfriend of nine months and his family both want custody of the dog. His girlfriend lives in South Carolina and his family lives in Las Vegas. Our friend does not have a will indicating who he wanted ownership of the dog to go to. The girlfriend does have medical records from the vet stating the she was a co owner of the dog. Our friend bought the dog and had her for a couple of months before moving in with his girlfriend. Any legal advice for how this situation might resolve itself would be appreciated. Specifically if there is a section of the law I could point to to show the involved parties what the probably outcome of civil court would be, that would be highly beneficial to keep them out of court in this trying time.

By |2022-06-28T09:50:27-04:00May 21st, 2022|

Rehome after adoption

I recently adopted a dog but he isn’t a good fit for our family unfortunately. I found someone who wants him but when I adopted him I signed a contract stating I wouldn’t sell, trade, or rehome him. But I don’t want to send him back to the shelter. How binding are these contracts?

By |2022-06-28T09:48:20-04:00May 20th, 2022|

Can I take an animal out of a neglect situation?

My friend was asked to take care of three cats over a weekend. It was said that all he had to do was feed them. When he arrived the place smelled of amonium so bad it made his mouth burn. The concrete was stained with poop and vomit. It’s clear that they’ve been here without proper amenities or their actual owner for months. So, is it okay for him to try and take the animals out of that situation? What can we do to help these cats?

By |2022-06-28T09:46:03-04:00May 19th, 2022|

Can I take my cat back from my friend if I pay them the back money?

I gave my cat, that I adopted to a friend because my mother would not allow me to have the cat in her house. Now , I plan to relocate, and I want to take my cat back. Is it legal to take her back? I am willing to give my friend all the money I would have spent to take care of her, as a currdicay. But do, I still have rights to the cat, since I am the one who adopted the cat?

By |2022-06-28T09:41:51-04:00May 19th, 2022|

Cat injureed by groomer, clinic refuses to accept responsibility

Hello, my only long hair cat FurBall gets a shave every year for the Memphis TN Summer. Last year, to our surprise, Furby was returned with a severe soft tissue hip injury, causing considerable pain. We took her to our vet, not groomer for exploratory treatment. The groomer, who service is out of a vet clinic refuses to accept responsibility. I want a refund of the groomers cost and my vets cost to ensure they did not break a bone. Please advise. I am currently beginning a BBB compliant. A groomer is not a vet service. I feel pet groomers should be held responsible for their mistreatment of our pets.

By |2022-06-28T09:39:58-04:00May 16th, 2022|
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