Question
My mother surrendered a dog 10 years ago. She became homeless and had no choice. Today, she is stable and needs a companion. She was approved initially but was denied due to this surrender 10 years ago. Is there a law that can help her adopt without citing a surrender from so long ago?
New York, USA
Answer
Shelters and rescue organizations have discretion on the placement of their animals. There is no law that prevents a shelter/rescue
from denying an adoption based on an animal surrender. However, not all shelters/rescues will deny all adoptions based on a prior surrender but will instead consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the surrender.
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