Pet Legal Q&A

Elinor D. Molbegott, is an attorney who maintains a law practice devoted to animal law. Elinor donates her time to answer questions from North Shore Animal League America supporters who would like to learn more about animal law.

Neighbor is caging my cats.

My neighbor is starting to put out cages to cage my cats and they are putting tuna in them to bait my cats over. Normally my cats stay in my yard and don't go into said neighbors yard but now with the tuna they are. I had to go over to my neighbors house and break my cat out of the cage. Do I need to call someone to get them to stop trying to cage my cats? (no feral cat colonies are in the area)

By |2023-04-25T12:49:38-04:00January 12th, 2023|

Neighbor is caging my cats.

My neighbor is starting to put out cages to cage my cats and they are putting tuna in them to bait my cats over. Normally my cats stay in my yard and don't go into said neighbors yard but now with the tuna they are. I had to go over to my neighbors house and break my cat out of the cage. Do I need to call someone to get them to stop trying to cage my cats? (no feral cat colonies are in the area)

By |2023-04-21T12:29:26-04:00January 12th, 2023|

Not neutered, have texts and paperwork saying he was.

I adopted a kitten from a very negligent shelter several months ago. I was promised multiple times that when they did the double enucleation that he was neutered. I have texts from the person who assisted with surgery that says he was neutered, he IS NOT neutered. What can I do?

By |2023-04-25T13:09:22-04:00January 11th, 2023|

Abandonment.

If I fostered a puppy through my job with no agreement signed between the foster and I then what rights do I have to the puppy? I also put in for an adoption of that puppy and the foster hasn’t contacted me for over two months. I have a text from the owner of my job stating I was approved and would be called with good news but never heard from the lady over the rescue/foster. I have not paid an adoption fee for him yet but also have been talking care of him for the past two months with no help. They had him neutered and most shots were tractor supply, I believe I am going to be leaving this job due to their poor ownership and was wondering if they could take him back from me even though they told me he was mine since I haven’t been able to pay for him because of no contact. I am worried about it.

By |2023-04-25T12:49:29-04:00January 6th, 2023|

Humane Society took my dog when I was not home.

My kids were at my house alone and the Humane Society came there because someone called about my dogs being outside. They have doghouses, food and water, and weren’t out there for along time. When I called to redeem my dogs they told me because no one answered the door I wasn’t allowed to take them back home with me.

By |2023-01-06T17:42:52-04:00January 6th, 2023|

Breeder sold seriously ill puppy.

I purchased a puppy from a breeder in NC on Sunday, 11-13-22. Since having her she hasn’t eaten, she won’t drink and isn’t very active. I took her to the vet today, Wednesday 11-16-22 and was told that she’s infested with round worms and may possibly require surgery to remove them. No vet checks by breeder who self vaccinated and deworming of her animals ( I failed to question this prior to purchase). After informing breeder of these findings she continues to deny any wrong doings and insists that she dewormed all of her animals and they were free of worms.

By |2023-01-06T17:37:40-04:00January 6th, 2023|

Pet Store Misrepresented Breed

Hello. I purchased a “doxie-poo” puppy from a pet store. After researching pet stores, I am disgusted at my mistake. I ran a DNA test on my puppy to determine if he was what they claimed. He is not. I’m wondering if I have any power here in getting some of that purchase refunded.

By |2023-01-06T17:27:53-04:00January 6th, 2023|

Groomers injured my dog.

My dog went to the groomers two days ago and they sent him home with a broken paw. I just want to know what we can do.

By |2023-01-06T17:23:34-04:00January 6th, 2023|

Custody of a dog

Someone gave me a puppy to watch because she could not care for him. He was about 2 months old when I took him in. I have now had him for about 10 months, have paid for all his food and vet bills and care. That person now wants the dog back. He will not live a good life with her and he’s happy with me and my family. Do I have the power to keep him even if he is registered in her name?

By |2023-01-06T17:19:14-04:00January 6th, 2023|

Force Spaying??

My dog got out of our locked gate for the first time. Within 3 hours I'd located her at Animal Services and was ready to pick her up. Six hours later they called me and said I have to allow them to spay her or I cant have her back. Is this legal?? What are my rights?? I'm urgently trying to get this figured out because I only have a day or two before they then say I've surrendered her. Can you please help? I don't want her spayed ESPECIALLY without me present and not having chosen the vet to do it.

By |2023-01-06T16:17:16-04:00January 6th, 2023|
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