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.
We recently had a cat that was both an indoor and outdoor cat. He was neutered, had a microchip, and front declawed (which is how we acquired him). One of our neighbors claims he participates in TNR and caught our cat once.
This puppy was purchased from a breeder in CA, which has a puppy lemon law. My vet saw him two days after I got him and diagnosed the problem. The breeder won't take responsibility. This puppy is facing several surgeries that could cost $3000+. We’re keeping the puppy. What kind of attorney could help me with this?
I have a 9-week-old puppy who is very accident-prone and often hurts himself. I take him to the vet every time. This last time, the vet decided after we left that she thought we were not going to get the dog the surgery he needed and suspected we were abusing the dog. The next day, animal control and the police were here and took the dog. How do I go about getting my puppy back, and what can and can't they do? They don’t have any proof.
My service dog died after my neighbor's dogs were running at large, and one of the three bit him, causing his ribs on one side to be broken and puncturing his lung. I have had an ongoing problem with these dogs chasing my livestock over the past three years.
My male cat is an indoor cat, but one day he got out, and four days later, he showed up, having been trapped, neutered, and then released. I noticed his ear has been tipped, and he has been neutered. What can I do legally about this?
I am looking for the proper word or words to ask for Amnesty for my almost adopted German Shepherd/Mix dog from being neutered and harassed by Animal Shelter. Thank you kindly.
If someone is threatening to trap and kill my cat, who is microchipped and has a collar, what can I do?
Due to time constraints, I had to give my dog to a foster/adoption organization. However, less than a few hours after giving him up, I contacted the agency to see if I could get my dog back, but they said no. When they came to pick up my dog, they did not provide me with any paperwork to confirm the exchange. I asked them again if I could get my dog back because I realized I had made a mistake in giving him up.
Our neighbor sent us a letter threatening legal action if our dogs enter their yard again. They also contacted our landlord about the issue. Our fence, which is 21 years old, needs replacement, but our landlord refuses to do so. Recently, after a storm, a fence post was down, and our dogs entered their yard. We promptly called them, and they came over right away. Despite this, the neighbor sent us a nasty letter. My husband immediately fixed the fence afterward. Do they have a legal case against us?
Ten days ago, I took my friend's brother's dog to get emergency care as she needed stitches for a laceration on her paw. No family members were willing to take her in during her recovery. The injury resulted from broken glass on the floor, which is standard for the home. The house was filthy, with mud caking the floors, garbage ripped up everywhere, and the brothers are suspected of being involved in drug activities inside the house.