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.

How can I get kitten from abusive ex?

What I can do to get my baby kitten back? Before breaking up, he gave me a kitty for my surprise. My ex abused me and threw my kitten twice. First time threw my kitten girl on the wall and second mirror. Before I got the kitten, we used to have another cat named Brownies. I don't know what or where he is, been missing it under his care. I don't want same thing to happen to her. What can I do?

By |2023-12-12T10:10:03-04:00November 28th, 2023|

My neighbor wants to take my cat.

What can I do to prevent my neighbor from stealing my cat and taking it, then dropping it off somewhere else? I'm sure she won't take it to a shelter, she mentioned dumping it far away so it won't return, which I consider animal cruelty because it's my pet. I have an appointment for it to be fixed on Dec 22nd, and I'm planning to keep it inside until then. How can I ensure my pet isn't stolen and left alone somewhere?

By |2023-12-13T17:49:33-04:00November 26th, 2023|

Wrong size dog sold.

I purchased a mini goldendoodle at a premium price, expecting a weight range of 25 to 35 pounds. However, my goldendoodle now weighs 60 pounds, twice the size of any mini doodle I've seen. Despite being advertised as a mini, it's clear that she is not. Are there any actions I can take in this situation?

By |2023-12-14T10:40:52-04:00November 24th, 2023|

Accused of abandonment.

Dog park goers accused me of abandonment when I briefly left to grab dog items at home. They hid my dogs from the shelter, ignored my pawboost alerts, and later advertised and adopted my dogs away. What steps can I take to bring my dogs back home?

By |2023-12-14T10:44:23-04:00November 19th, 2023|

Breeder dispute.

I purchased a Yorkshire Terrier, believing it to be purebred. However, a groomer suggested a DNA test, which revealed she's a mix of three breeds. The breeder registered the puppies, and she's offered a $400 refund out of the $800 I paid. What should be my next step?

By |2023-12-14T11:26:07-04:00November 14th, 2023|

How to sue an adoption/foster agreement contract breaker?

Reading over these questions, I noticed that signed adoption/foster agreements are absolute and complete jokes! And anyone without deep pockets might as well not bother with them. If the person in possession of the animal does not abide by the signed agreement, the only recourse is to file a civil lawsuit, and I am reading this could cost $5,000-$10,000. I am low-income and forced to operate my rescue without help because all the organizations are full.

By |2023-12-14T11:15:37-04:00November 10th, 2023|

Rehoming a dog.

I received a dog in April 2023 from a lady who couldn't keep him. She had initially planned to give him to someone else. I kept the dog until October 28th when I had to move, and he wouldn't ride in the bed of a truck. I rehomed him and have messages confirming she gave him to me. Now, she's claiming I stole the dog. Can I get in trouble for rehoming him, considering our agreement was never about keeping him until she got on her feet?

By |2023-12-14T11:20:28-04:00November 9th, 2023|

Boyfriend told me to give my dog away.

My boyfriend and I share a home with our two dogs, Henry and Hannah. He's insisting I rehome Hannah after an accident, and if I don't by Friday, he's threatening to take her to a shelter while I'm at work. I paid for her, covered all vet visits, and we're both on the lease. Does he have the legal right to do this?

By |2023-12-14T11:24:06-04:00November 1st, 2023|
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