Who is entitled to puppy born to dog mother gave away?

Question

My mother gave my kids a dog that she could not handle at her place or residence outside the province of Ontario. She gave the dog away stating to the kids that Nikki (the female dog) was theirs. We (my boyfriend, kids and I) own a male dog before being handed Nikki. Anyways our male (Zeus) impregnated Nikki after she was given to my Kids. She gave birth to one puppy. Soon after the pup was born the kids grandparents up and took the puppy as if they were entitled to owning the pup. I would love to know who would be the owner by rights to this puppy, and if it’s us how do can take the ownership of the pup back to us?

Answer

This dispute could have been avoided had the dogs been spayed and neutered. There is an overpopulation of dogs (and other species). There are millions of homeless animals in shelters and suffering in our streets. People who give away their animal generally have no further rights to that animal or animals born to the gifted animal, unless there was an agreement stating otherwise. People who believe that their animal was stolen and/or being wrongfully withheld can contact the police and can commence a civil lawsuit to try to get the animal returned and/or for money. I hope that everyone involved considers the best interests of the dogs.