The return of my Poodle

Question

I was arrested on April 23rd of this year. I found out on May 2nd that my dog was at the Humane Society because of my incarceration. I was told that I was able to have the dog return to me once either if I gotten out of jail or if someone could pick him up. I got out of jail on May 25th at 5 p.m. and returned home at 8 p.m. to discover that there was a pink slip at my door. This slip said that I had a few days to have the dog returned to me but I could not get him because at the time I was in jail. I called animal control to figure out the situation and they referred me to the Humane Society only to discover this past Tuesday my dog was adopted by a new family. I've had this dog for about 10 years now and he's everything to me, he's always in my heart, I love him so much. I need to find out where he is and have him returned to me, I never got to say goodbye because I was arrested. What can I do? How can I receive the dog back? I need to know what steps do I need to take to have him return to me. I am angry, I'm sad and I'm heartbroken. What should I do?

Answer

I realize this is a heartbreaking situation for all concerned. I suggest you contact an attorney in your area who can advise you on next steps. People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned. Shelters typically only have to hold animals for a specific number of days (the precise number of days varies throughout the country) so it is so important for people, even those arrested, to try to make arrangements for their animals before the expiration of the redemption period. I hope this all works out for the dog.