If A Pet Is Lost What Is Required By Law For Returning The Animal?

I think proof of ownership has to be established. I assume you have nicely asked for your dog back, maybe offered a small reward, or to buy the person a case of beer, or a DVD?

You may get relevant answers from your local humane society animal control officer - don't let the front desk blow you off, should they try. Someone there knows who handles that stuff.

Other option, ask local police station for advice, since the dog is stolen property by this point, from the sound of it. Then possibly the police could go over there with you to demand your property, but you would not have right to search their house... Law is messy. Legal doesn't equal moral.

Worst case, you may have to document the problem, then file small claims court. Hopefully this person does not want something so petty on their permanent record and will yield to the pressure and surrender the pet.

Not to say the pain this causes is petty, but it is a small thing to end up with a legal record over. What if an employer sees that? Sometimes negative reinforcement works, and it is legal to inform a person of such things. Inform them CALMLY, and then do what you say. It is not a threat if you don't get belligerent or make blatant threats. See the fine line?

Add Comment

Report