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 a city force you to remove your dog's testicles or force you to pay to keep them? My dog got picked up, and the shelter said those are my only choices, or he gets put down if I'm not willing to do either.
I bought my dog and registered him under my name with the city, but my girlfriend put her information on the microchip. Since I registered him, does that legally make him mine?
Hi, my brother is in a nursing home and will not be coming home. I have his dog and would like to know how much authority I have in the dog's life. I do tell people he is my brother's dog, and I have custody. What exactly does that mean? Do I have to ask my brother about everything I do with the dog?
If someone took me to court over my dog, and the person won because they paid for the dog, but I’ve had the dog for 2 years, how could I fight that?
The vet lost our dog's ashes after the cremation process and did not return the blanket we used when we put our dog down, which we used every day. They also didn't refund the money. I would appreciate some other opinions on this.
I need advice regarding a Welsh Terrier owned by a friend. I've witnessed the dog being mistreated and it's heart-wrenching. The owner reacts harshly when the dog doesn't obey, often yelling and grabbing the dog. I've even seen the dog pulled forcefully. When I'm around, the dog prefers to be with me. It's clear the dog doesn't want to be near the owner when forced to do things.
My boyfriend's ex was watching his dog. A disagreement broke out about the dog, and she has rehomed the dog and won't tell us where it is. This dog was supposed to come to the Yukon and is currently in Ontario. We asked many times for the dog back, and she informed us it's gone. What can we do? Do we have legal rights in this matter?
My ex-girlfriend bought a puppy and gave it to me to raise. I have paid for vet bills, medications, and food for 8 months now. She claims that she bought him for both of us. She lives two hours away. We are broken up now, and she says she's coming to get the dog. Who gets custody of the dog?
Two days ago, I rehomed my dog with the understanding that I could get her back if things didn't work out. Within 24 hours, I decided to get my dog back. I texted the lady to get her address, and she said she would text me today with her address so I could pick up my dog. Last night, she texted back and said her boys want to keep the dog. We did not have a contract, no bill of sale, or any money exchanges. The dog is microchipped to me. Can I legally get my dog back?
Hello, a few months ago, my girlfriend and I broke up. We shared an apartment together, and shortly after moving in, I rescued a baby kitten from the side of the road, underneath a car. I took care of the cat, nurturing it back to health because he was very small, starved, and filled with multiple infections. My girlfriend and I ended up breaking up, and I couldn't take the cat with me the night we split because my mom is allergic, and I didn't have anywhere else to go. Now I am back on my own feet in my own place, and I miss my cat and want to have him in my life again.