Question
I was given a dog by a woman. The previous owner had given it to her along with three bags of his toys and his bed. The dog has liver disease and she no longer wanted to deal with it. I received the dog 3 weeks ago. It got out and the vet called the number on the tag. The original owner drove two hours and picked up the dog. How can I get the dog back?
Answer
People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld may sue (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned. The police may also be contacted. Generally when a person gives away or sells his/her animal, such person has no further rights to the animal, unless there was an agreement stating otherwise. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, but it is important for people to change microchip registration at the time an animal is being given away or sold.
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