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.
My neighbors dog ran into my yard and went after my dog while my aunt was walking him around the yard, and my dog killed his dog. Can he sue me?
I got evicted from my apartment on 10-09-2019 and was told by the officers of the court that by law the owner of the property would have to be responsible for my property for 15 days- I was in contact with the animal control the whole time. Long story short I had 15 days from 10/9 and they picked up my dogs 10/16 and she got adopted 11/2. Is this an illegal adoption?
I have been staying with my boyfriend’s parents at their house. I brought my kitten and they told me they wanted me to find a different home for it as they had too many animals already. The next day I come to find out my boyfriend’s mother had given my kitten away to one of her friends. I love my kitten and I want her back what can I do?
The police did a welfare check on me and then I went to the hospital for about 2 hours. When I got home my dog was gone. I originally thought my friend came by for me to watch her until I was out. I called to tell my friend I was home and she could drop my dog off, but turns out she didn't have her. I immediately called Animal Control to find out of they have her. They did and that's when I was informed they were called there by the police to get my dog.
I signed a surrender contract under great emotional distress, not of sound mind or body and duress, not knowing what I was signing and being pressured to do so by the shelter cat care coordinator. I trusted this shelter was no kill, but as soon as I found out they are a high kill shelter I went back and asked to have my cat back because I feared for his safety.
So my ex and I got a dog together and since I have mental illness we got an ESA letter from my psychiatrist. But my ex took her and registered her under her name at city hall. Can I get her back anyway?
An Uber driver offered to foster my puppy while in Hospital for 3 days, and now refuses to give me my puppy and my belongings.
I adopted a cat in June. We've been having behavioral issues with her from day one. I inquired with the cat's foster mom about the cat being relocated to another home. After a few days, I reconsidered and wanted to continue trying to help the cat adjust. The foster cat mom is a vet tech at a local vet clinic, but not the clinic I take my animals to. She took it upon herself to contact my vet office and request my cat's medical records without my consent. She found out I declawed my cat and she flipped out. She then harassed me via text demanding the cat be returned to her.
The Animal Protective League officer called me and told me my dogs should be outside in the heat because I have a big fenced in yard with plenty of shaded areas. She told me that if I didn’t answer my phone, she would have to take my dogs away. Did she have a right to do that without a warrant?