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.

Can animal control take my neighbors neglected dogs?

My neighbors have 4 dogs in a one-bedroom apartment and are hardly home. They have been gone for over 48 hours now and kennel all 4 dogs in one kennel that is too small for even one of them. The police can't help, since the owners are gone.

By |2024-11-22T16:35:27-04:00October 23rd, 2024|

Fraudulent dog breeder scammed me.

I unfortunately signed a contract while purchasing what I thought was a Morkie, but realized the puppy is a Chihuahua which isn't healthy for my daughter due to its aggressive, feisty, biting traits. The breeder falsified records and pictures. He had a strict no refund policy. Is there anything I can do since he guaranteed a specific breed but lied?

By |2024-11-22T16:36:41-04:00October 20th, 2024|

Failure to rehome dog after offer.

I offered a dog for rehoming and did not ask for a rehoming fee because I could not keep him. He was abandoned with me when my husband left me. The person stated multiple times they wanted him. And I was transparent about the animal the whole time. In the messages it is clear I am dropping him off to the new owner. After I brought him to them, they decided they did not want him. Am I legally obligated to take him back. There is no ownership paper. No license. No vet records.

By |2024-11-22T16:38:42-04:00October 9th, 2024|

What can you do if someone is trying to sell puppies as purebred, but they aren’t?

I know someone who is trying to sell puppies on Facebook that aren't purebred but is saying they are. She has no proof/papers to back it up. They are mixed breed puppies, and I don't know what action I can take on this topic. She isn't close with me. I am very concerned, and it is taking advantage of people, its misleading and is false information.

By |2024-11-22T15:50:42-04:00October 6th, 2024|

Found stray dog and the owner is MIA.

I reside in Queens County, NYC and a stray dog arrived on my porch 2 days ago. I took it to the vet and found the owner via microchip, attempted to contact them at two phone numbers (both disconnected) and emailed the email address of record as well as posted it on my social media and the local social media page. What do I have to do to formally adopt the dog if no owner shows up? And how long do I have to wait? Is there a formal process? Any helpful advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.

By |2024-10-10T11:43:03-04:00September 21st, 2024|

I have too many cats and animal control aren’t helping.

I have 40 cats and animal control is all over me thanks to my neighbors reporting me. I am one person trying to keep up with taking care of these animals. Animal control will not help but is threatening me with charges if I don't do better at keeping the house clean. What can I do?

By |2024-10-10T11:47:52-04:00September 17th, 2024|
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