Question

I gave my dog away for adoption 23 days ago. I was under duress with an upcoming knee operation 6 days later. I didn't sell the dog and I have papers and she was microchipped that the dog belongs to me. I didn't consult my family prior to giving her up for adoption and the decision. The kids are depressed as is the entire family. I called 23 days after I gave my dog up to a family for adoption and they refuse to give me back the dog. Do I have any legal recourse in the state of New York?

Answer

People who give their animal away generally have no further legal rights to that animal and the person to whom the animal was given generally has no legal obligation to return the animal.

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