Question
My teenage son had an emotional and mental break down where he ended up hurting our family dog in the process. He was taken to the hospital but the police along with animal control are charging him with animal cruelty and there’s a possibility that they won’t give him back as long as my son is living here with us. It was the first time this ever happened and we don’t know what to do - none of us want to lose our family dog and my son is getting the help he needs. What can we do as a family to try and get our dog home?
Answer
Massachusetts law states that in addition to other penalties provided by law, people who are convicted of cruelty to animals shall forfeit the animal whose mistreatment was the basis of the conviction. I suggest consulting with the attorney who is representing your son in this matter. I hope that the dog makes a full recovery and that everyone considers the best interests of this dog whose happiness and safety should be ensured.
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