Question
The Animal Protective League officer called me and told me my dogs should be outside in the heat because I have a big fenced in yard with plenty of shaded areas. She told me that if I didn’t answer my phone, she would have to take my dogs away. Did she have a right to do that without a warrant?
Answer
While warrants are often needed before law enforcement officers can enter private residences/property to seize an animal, exceptions may be made under exigent circumstances. The weather has been so very hot that even a shady area is probably not at all adequate to protect dogs in this heat. Cruelty to animals is against the law and inhumane. Take your dogs inside where it should be cooler. If it isn't, bring them to a friend, family, or boarding facility that is cool.
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.