Custody

My ex-girlfriend and I got the dog together. I paid the majority portion of her cost, all of her vet bills, and all of her food supplies. I have documentation under my name for the vet bills and registration. Her argument is that we got the dog registered as an ESA under her name. The only reason for this was that we were living in a breed-restricted apartment that did not allow our dog size. She has served me some papers for court in March, and I would like to know how I stand on this?

Our chipped 13-year-old dog wandered from home while we were away. He was picked up and taken to another town's Humane Society. However, they never contacted us and gave him away. Do we have any rights in this situation?

I apologize for any confusion in this situation. Recently, a woman passed away, leaving her dog. The legal executor of her will registered the dog's microchip in their name. They then legally transferred ownership to my mom. After a call from another family member who claimed ownership, my mother, confused about the custody, gave the dog away. When she informed the legal executor, they reported the dog as stolen. The current possessor refuses to return the dog. Should we file Small Claims and a Replevin Action? Please help!

I picked up a stray cat that I had encountered every day on my morning route after it ran up to me. At the time, I couldn't keep it, so I called places to find someone to hold it until I got an apartment. The foster owner said I could contact them to get the cat later, but they gave it to another foster who now wants to keep it.

Our rescue just took in 2 weeks ago a dog from a guardian. We had her sign the relinquishment form. The father made the arrangements to relinquish the dog, but the 16 year old daughter signed the form. Now the mother wants the dog back after 2 weeks. Can they legally take back the dog?

Reading over these questions, I noticed that signed adoption/foster agreements are absolute and complete jokes! And anyone without deep pockets might as well not bother with them. If the person in possession of the animal does not abide by the signed agreement, the only recourse is to file a civil lawsuit, and I am reading this could cost $5,000-$10,000. I am low-income and forced to operate my rescue without help because all the organizations are full.

I received a dog in April 2023 from a lady who couldn't keep him. She had initially planned to give him to someone else. I kept the dog until October 28th when I had to move, and he wouldn't ride in the bed of a truck. I rehomed him and have messages confirming she gave him to me. Now, she's claiming I stole the dog. Can I get in trouble for rehoming him, considering our agreement was never about keeping him until she got on her feet?