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.

Cat injureed by groomer, clinic refuses to accept responsibility

Hello, my only long hair cat FurBall gets a shave every year for the Memphis TN Summer. Last year, to our surprise, Furby was returned with a severe soft tissue hip injury, causing considerable pain. We took her to our vet, not groomer for exploratory treatment. The groomer, who service is out of a vet clinic refuses to accept responsibility. I want a refund of the groomers cost and my vets cost to ensure they did not break a bone. Please advise. I am currently beginning a BBB compliant. A groomer is not a vet service. I feel pet groomers should be held responsible for their mistreatment of our pets.

By |2022-06-28T09:39:58-04:00May 16th, 2022|

Neutering my dog

On March 23rd my dog went missing from a friends who was watching him, I didnt find out for 2 weeks that he was missing they didn't want to tell me they lied every time I asked to see him. He ended up at the animal shelter where, they are saying they have ownership of him, and they are neutering him, and I have to pay $200 and adopt him. My question is are they allowed to do that. I dont want him neutered and i cant afford $200. This is not fair my dog has been through enough he needs to just come home.

By |2022-06-14T15:32:24-04:00April 17th, 2022|

Can previous owner take puppy back after giving him to me?

Hello, a lady had posted an ad saying she was giving her dog away because she was going back to work and lived in a studio and didn't feel it was fair to leave her home alone all day. Now after coming into my home introducing the puppy to my 3 kids the lady tells them how exciting you guys have a new puppy now and after 3 days of having the dog the lady called and texted saying she wants her back. I have all text messages, the ad, the voicemails everything showing she gave the dog away. She is now harassing my family calling several times a week and showing up out front of our home. She's saying she is now taking me to court to get the dog back. Can she legally get the dog back if she gave her away? Thank you

By |2022-06-14T15:38:48-04:00April 16th, 2022|

What are my option after emotional support dog gets into a fight at dog park?

I have lived in an apartment complex with Lacy for 3 Years and never had any problems. I keep her on a leash at all times unless we are in the dog park. Occasionally we go there to play fetch and get some needed exercise. When another dog owner asked to join I decline and say give me a minute to leave. This time it was different, she kept insisting her dog was fine and wanted in. Lacy saw an opening in the fence and went after her dog. We got them apart and neither dog was injured or went to a vet even though we offered to pay her vet bill just to make sure. I went to the office just to report the incident and police and animal control were called. I was fined and the next week was told I had 7 days to get rid of my dog and was told I had no other options. I wanted to know if I do have any options?

By |2022-06-14T15:17:11-04:00April 14th, 2022|

Rehomed pup now in shelter.

I rehomed my dog, who i’ve had since she was a puppy, due to changes in housing . I told the woman I gave her to that I would take her back no matter what and to please not hesitate to call if she couldn’t keep her . She had a hard time with her because she was aggressive around food and , instead of telling me, she sent her to a shelter . She knew I wanted her back, but made a decision based on “the safety of my child” despite the fact that she knew nothing of my dogs relationship with my 4 month old . She refused to tell me the name of the shelter , the date she took her in, or anything relating to where she went . I just want my dog back . She’s my family and I trusted she would be ok now she’s alone.

By |2022-06-16T13:57:04-04:00March 10th, 2022|

Custody Time Frame to Keep A Dog

I have been taking care of my daughter's young basset hound puppy since October 21, 2021, he is now about 10 months old. She has been in hospitals for depression, and just recently got out of jail and is on a one year probation, and now says she wants him back because he is her therapy dog. He's never been trained or certified as a therapy dog, and in her past, she has had pets that she's rescued, then dropped off at shelters because she's unable to care for them. She is not a responsible pet owner, What legal recourse and laws do I have in order for me to keep the dog. Thank you.

By |2022-06-16T13:31:29-04:00March 10th, 2022|

Can we take ownership of dog due to abuse?

I would like to know the legal ramifications of taking a family member's dog who is being hit when humping pillows, although the owner refuses to neuter the 2 year old dog., and emotionally abusing him by screaming at him and keeping him isolated from everyone even other dogs. The owner also feeds the dog human foods that give him diarrhea and makes him throw up. We love this dog and would love to offer him a better life. What can I do?

By |2022-03-04T13:44:52-04:00March 4th, 2022|

Neighbor trapping and abandoning my cats.

My neighbor has trapped and abandoned two of my cats. She admitted it to me, but denied same to animal control. What can I do? I have much circumstantial evidence, but animal control says I need proof.

By |2022-03-04T13:46:40-04:00March 4th, 2022|
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