Question
My friend has a dog that ended up getting pregnant. The mother has become aggressive and has started to neglect her puppies, so my friend is surrendering the mother. However, is she allowed to keep the puppies?
Answer
I suggest that your friend consults with a veterinarian so that the mother and puppies get necessary care. There might be a medical reason for the mother’s behavior. Puppies generally should remain with their mothers for a few weeks (except under very limited circumstances). People who “own” a dog who has puppies generally “own” the puppies too (unless there is an agreement stating otherwise with the owner of the male dog or other person/organization). There is a serious overpopulation of dogs. Many homeless dogs are at shelters/rescues waiting to be adopted. I hope your friend will have her animals spayed/neutered when the veterinarian says it is safe to do so.
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.