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.

SPCA won’t release the dogs I bought as a gift to my daughter because of my past.

I brought dogs for my daughter and grandchildren, someone dog napped them and the spca rescued them. I have a animal cruelty charge from 3 years ago which isn't my fault but took responsibility. I did my time and paid my fine, spca wouldn't release the animals to my daughter being that I purchased them as a gift to her and her children. What can I do about this matter?

By |2022-06-16T14:00:19-04:00March 1st, 2022|

Took my dog for 1 incident.

So long story short I have a well loved dog almost two years he is an outside dog and always has remained on his thought chain of had never broke before. Well he got off after a link broke and he was off a total of ten minutes in that time the neighbors dog was on their porch with no leash and my dog went straight to him and they got into a scuffle. Wasn't for 60 seconds. Police showed up and walked towards my dog n he had gear and a hat on enough to make any dog wonder my dog jumped at police but did not bite him . My kids are very close to our dog and this was a freak accident he's NEVER been aggressive towards people and animals. The next day I came home and animal control had my dog calling him aggressive and he's nowhere near aggressive any dog that doesn't know someone is going to probably feel threatened. I miss my dog and I really want to see him and what steps to take to get him back please help with any answers.

By |2022-06-16T13:28:19-04:00February 26th, 2022|

Cat being held at a shelter after someone else surrendered it.

My cat disappeared and then showed up at a shelter, Talking with the shelter someone 'owner surrendered' it. He was microchipped and registered to me, I have vet records for him but they are sending him to another rescue and won't provide the rescues name. How can I get my cat back?

By |2022-06-16T13:42:47-04:00February 16th, 2022|

I want my dog back.

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, I had no energy to do anything with my dog and was not away to get better since I had a brain surgery and the tumor remained. I gave my dog away to a family but a few months ago I had radiation therapy and it seems that I have a chance to continue living and now the only thing I want is my dog back. P.S. I didn’t sell my dog, It was given for adoption for free. The question, do I have the right to have my dog back? I don’t think the new owner will agree to give me the dog back.

By |2022-06-16T13:22:29-04:00February 16th, 2022|

Is my ex responsible for paying half of our dog bills?

My ex left me and we have a puppy together. I love the dog but wanted to know if she is responsible for paying half the bills for the dog. I sometimes travel for work and will have to board him which cost a lot if I’m gone a long time. So is she responsible for having to pay half of all the dogs needs? Like food, vet bills and boarding? Is this something I have to go to court for or is it something that I wont be able to retain in court?

By |2022-06-16T13:03:49-04:00February 16th, 2022|

My dog was killed by neighbor dog.

My neighbors 2 dogs entered my house through our dog door while I was not home. They killed 1 of my dogs and were attacking my others when I walked in. What should/can I do? I did call the police, as far as I know my neighbor was not cited. We had an incident months ago where his dog attacked mine, fortunately we were home and got to our dog quickly. He was not seriously injured. I did not report this incident to authorities but I did tell my neighbor.

By |2022-01-14T10:30:20-04:00January 14th, 2022|
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