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.


Can I get my cat back?

My cat had gotten out of the apartment; I searched everywhere, I put up posted checked sites daily to see if he would turn up, and reported him missing. No word. Then one day I was on Facebook and saw my cat on an animal foundation's page. I contacted them and they had already adopted out my cat.

By |2018-01-11T15:07:18-04:00November 29th, 2017|

I rescued a mama cat and her feral kittens, am I legally the owner?

I rescued a mama cat from under my neighbor’s house and her kittens are feral. The supposed owners have absolutely no proof of ownership and didn't rescue her or provide any type of shelter or food despite knowing where they were. Am I legally the owner since they've been in my care and these people have no proof?

By |2018-01-10T15:04:51-04:00October 24th, 2017|

How can I change the ownership/custody of my dog under my name?

I adopted my dog, about 4 years ago from a shelter in New York with my ex fiancé. He recently abandoned us, and has not cared about the dog or his well-being. I am now over 21 and totally capable of taking care of my dogs and would like full custody. What do I have to do?

By |2018-01-10T15:04:51-04:00October 17th, 2017|

Can I get my dog back?

My dog is staying with my ex boyfriend and my son, but I want my dog back because my ex is not taking care of him. Can I get my dog back?

By |2018-01-10T15:04:51-04:00October 12th, 2017|
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