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.
As the primary owner of my 2 dogs, do I have the right to remove the secondary owner without consent?
Hello, My neighbors have been harassing my dog and I and one day took her off her chain outside and took her to the shelter. I called around and found her same day but was surprised to find it was going to cost me over $100 to have her returned. I'm recently unemployed and did not have the money on hand so had to wait until my dad had money in his account to give me money to have her returned. I was not aware that there is only a 3 day hold until she was already adopted! About a week later when I had the money to pick her up, the shelter told me she was put up for adoption and I immediately drove to the SPCA who told me she was adopted! I asked for the people's contact information so I could try to explain the situation to them and buy her back, hoping they would have the kindness in their hearts to agree to do so. But the SPCA refused. For some background information, I have severe PTSD and depression and have notes from my psychiatrist and general doctor that she is my service dog. I also paid $2,000 for her and my children are absolutely heartbroken as am I. Is there anything that can be done?? Please help!!
My ex-boyfriend and I bought a dog 9 years ago, we split original purchase 50/50. Up until 2/2021 we were splitting the vet costs (a monthly wellness plan). From 2/2021 (when I moved out) - 12/2023 he did not pay towards the wellness plan. I fully paid all charges. We recently broke up and he is now keeping the dog from me (we were splitting visitation weekly). This week while I was out of town for work, he took the dog to same Vet and brought him in as new pet, and he told the Vet to cancel my wellness plan on the dog and my 4/8 appt. Which they did without contacting me even though I was the SOLE name on the account. They proceeded with vet visit. Vet confirmed to me they did not perform all of the routine preventative care since he was paying out of pocket. So he is not providing same level of care. Dog licenses (2 towns) & pet insurance are in my name & I pay them. What are my rights/options here? And what action can I take against Vet?
My neighbor's pit bull came into my yard and mauled my dog, Junior. My pet did not survive the attack. I am dealing with an adjuster from their homeowners insurance. What are my expectations? It costs $1000 to purchase another Dachshund. The local animal shelter rarely gets Dachshund's. Is this a reasonable expectation?
Is it illegal for Animal Control to come onto my property and take my dog that was on a chain in backyard without my knowledge or consent when there are no trespassing signs up?
My mother gave my kids a dog that she could not handle at her place or residence outside the province of Ontario. She gave the dog away stating to the kids that Nikki (the female dog) was theirs. We (my boyfriend, kids and I) own a male dog before being handed Nikki. Anyways our male (Zeus) impregnated Nikki after she was given to my Kids. She gave birth to one puppy. Soon after the pup was born the kids grandparents up and took the puppy as if they were entitled to owning the pup. I would love to know who would be the owner by rights to this puppy, and if it’s us how do can take the ownership of the pup back to us?
I was arrested for a traffic violation that was not my fault. My service dog was taken to the Animal Control. They are requiring that she be spayed before release and charging me over $400. She went in Friday night and I was released Monday morning, but they were closed Monday and Tuesday. She has saved my life more than once. I do not have that much money and it adds up every day. What can I do? I do not want her sterilized and I need her with me as soon as possible. What can I do?
My dog is being kept by Animal Control for falsely being accused of biting someone. Hearing has been completed and past the 7 days as stated by the hearing for the results. Ten days and no results, and they still have my dog in isolated confinement. No walks, visitors, we can drop off treats & a toy, which we did, but we get no status on how our dog is. Seems to be animal cruelty the way they are treating my dog with being falsely accused. We have done all that we were asked to do on the list to return our dog back to us, but they are still holding on to him.
My girlfriend and I had a cat before we broke up, the cat's chip was registered under my name. During our time I can feel the cat likes my girlfriend more than me, so after the breakup I gave the cat to her while there are no documents/contracts saying this. It has been 2 years, and she is the primary caregiver to the cat although I pay for the insurance. She is rehoming the cat but having difficulties. Can she sue me for animal abandonment during the breakup? I'm a bit paranoid. Thanks
If there is a false report of animal abuse on my dog can I get a defamation lawsuit on them?