Can Animal Control take my dog without my permission?

Question

I didn't know that they took him until they left my house and now there saying I can't get him back. Is there anything I can do to get my dog back?

Answer

It is unclear why animal control came to your home (for example, a dangerous dog complaint, a cruelty complaint, ?), if you allowed them into your home, and why the dog was taken. Animal control typically cannot enter one’s home without permission or without a warrant except in exigent circumstances. Animal control sometimes removes animals who are unattended on public property but the animal’s “owner” in such circumstances typically has an opportunity to redeem the animal within a specified number of days (the precise number of days varies throughout the country). People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned. Once an animal is rehomed, attempts to get the animal back can become more difficult. Also, animal control sometimes has animals euthanized so time is of the essence. I suggest you consult immediately with an attorney in your area.

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By |2018-05-21T16:52:35-05:00April 5th, 2018|

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