Dog Re-homed Without Consent

Question

My Grandmother raised me and when I was in second grade she got me a puppy. Flash forward to my sophomore year of college and my Grandma moved into a housing complex that didn't allow pets. I took in my dog and had multiple pet sitters, I made him food everyday to be soft on his teeth, and even got medical paperwork so that he didn't have to be alone other than when I worked. I had two days of long shifts and asked my Grandma to watch the dog for the day, and she re-homed him. The new owner got in a car accident and returned him. My Grandma didn't tell me this and dog began living with my Aunt. When I asked for him back my Aunt was beside herself, so I told her she could keep him only if she gave him back if need be. She was attacked in her home and needed to move so I was going to take the dog back, but had to submit my paperwork to my landlord. These three days were along the weekend so I couldn't get an instant approval, and they re-homed him AGAIN. My Grandma told me he lives with a vet tech so I have been searching for him for a year and finally found him. The dogs new owner is threatening to sue me. What can I do?

Answer

People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned. These cases can get complicated. I hope the dog is doing well and you all consider what is best for this elderly dog.

PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.

Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!

Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.

Ask a Legal Question

By |2018-05-24T11:58:54-05:00March 19th, 2018|

Share This:

Go to Top