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.
Neighbors next door repeatedly call the dog pound on my dog when he's outside, even though he's on my property.
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?
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?