Question
As of May 14, 2010, I gave up my dog to Love-A-Stray, in Avon, OH. A week later I wanted her back, and I contacted the volunteer who I dealt with, and she told me in no uncertain terms, how dare I. After sending her emails due to my family wanting to take the dog to a shelter, I was forced to give her up. Apparently, this volunteer felt she had the right to tell me I would have to pay $125 to get her back. Then she proceeded to tell me she would take me to court and use my mother against me. My mother said she would never do that. I never abused this dog, I loved her as if I gave birth to her myself. I want my dog back, and the family who has her now should understand how awful this rescue place is. What steps can I take to get my dog back?
Answer
People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned BUT people who surrender their animals generally have no further rights to those animals. Regrets do not equal rights. If a rescue/shelter still has an animal who was surrendered, it is up to the rescue/shelter to decide whether to return the animal. Many rescues/shelters will not return an animal to a person who surrendered the animal (with some exceptions) in part out of concern that whatever caused a person to surrender the animal could happen again. Charging impoundment fees or adoption fees is quite common. Consider that rescues/shelters spend money to care for animals in their custody. New adopters are not obligated to return an animal to a prior owner who voluntarily surrendered the animal. I hope the dog is doing well.
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