Question
Animal Control has my dog under false pretenses, but they are neglecting him. Can I take my dog out of the shelter, or will I get arrested?
Answer
People whose animals were found at large and taken to a shelter can usually retrieve their animals by paying an impound fee, as long as they make the claim during the legal hold time (the number of days a shelter must hold animals). There are different hold times if a dog is being held based on an alleged bite or an animal is being held for alleged cruelty/neglect. The common thread in these situations is that an animal’s “parent” cannot simply remove an animal being held by animal control without permission from animal control. Criminal charges may be brought. People who suspect that their animal is being mistreated should contact the police, SPCA, and other officers in their area who have the authority to enforce animal cruelty/neglect laws. People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can also commence a civil lawsuit. Time is of the essence since after an animal is rehomed, it is much more difficult to get the animal returned.
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