Lost dog given up for adoption without notice.

Question

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!!

Answer

There are a few issues here. One, if there is evidence that your neighbors went onto your property and stole your dog, the police should be contacted. Perhaps their intervention will help. Second, many municipalities have laws to restrict chaining. Dogs who are chained/tethered can become entangled, are exposed to the elements, and are “sitting ducks” for other animals (and people). Dogs require exercise, socialization, and the ability to move without continuous restraint. When chained, dogs can become anxious and aggressive. Third, people who believe that their animal was wrongfully taken and/or being wrongfully withheld can commence a civil lawsuit to try to get the animal returned.

It is very important for people to reclaim their animals from shelters within the legal hold time and to pay the impound fee. After the expiration of the legal hold time, shelters can generally rehome the animals. Courts have typically held that shelters are not required to release the names of adopters. Doing so could drastically impede adoption programs and present privacy issues. There have been exceptions in very extenuating circumstances. Some shelters will contact a new adopter to let them know that the animal’s prior “parent” would like the animal returned, although it is generally up to the adopter to decide whether to comply with the request.

I hope this all works out well for the dog!