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.
My neighbors dog broke through our adjoining fence & attacked my dog on my property nearly killing my dog. How can I recover the vet bills from my neighbor?
My three dogs were let out of our fenced in yard while I was in our house. I noticed it within an hour when I went to go let them back in. My neighbors, who I think let them out in the first place, called the pound and now the pound wants to charge me $240 to get my pets back, and they've had them for a whole couple of hours. I had them penned in properly, why should I have to pay such large amount of fees to get my animals back?
I sent someone money for a dog and they took it then blocked me. Is there a way I can get my money or the dog from them legally?
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?
I am currently fostering a young dog, that myself and children have grown attached to. We would like to move forward to adopt him, however the rescue wants the pup to go to a single male, living in a 600 square foot apartment. I live in a house on a half acre fenced in yard. This is a large breed that requires a lot exercise. The dog is afraid of men- even states it in his profile on the rescues website. The rescue is pushing for this man to take him, after I voiced my concerns that he is not a good fit for the dog. What legal rights do I have?
Is it illegal to keep someone’s pet and refuse to give it back in California? What would happen if the pet owner decides to sue the person who is refusing to give back the pet? What if someone lost my pet when he was helping me to take care of my pet for a while? Can I sue him or ask for compensation?
My daughter recently adopted a dog that started out as a foster, and he is not fixed. Was the rescue group responsible for getting him neutered?
My sons friend asked me to keep his dog and he pays for his medical care since he was 6 weeks old but the dog has been in my care for two years and now he wants him back. What can I do to keep him?
I gave away kittens and I have a bad feeling . The people were not dressed properly, car was dirty. Personal life on Facebook looks decent but in person does not. She hooded the cat wrong and said “this is how you grab them if they behave bad." I don’t know what to do. I want to take the kittens back. The lady also lives in apartments, where later I looked up pets are not allowed. I’m worried sick for these kittens and it’s only been a few hours.
We were giving a dog three years ago. The previous owner had the dog chipped. We went on vacation and the dog ran away from our dog sitter. Now the previous owner is trying to take possession from the Humane Society. What do I do?