Pet Legal Q&A

Elinor D. Molbegott, is an attorney who maintains a law practice devoted to animal law. Elinor donates her time to answer questions from North Shore Animal League America supporters who would like to learn more about animal law.

My roommate gave me full ownership of a dog we both initially owned.

My former roommate and I both shared custody of our dog however, he was abusive to the dog, and the dog was scared to death of him and so he verbally told me that the dog was now mine. I moved out and he is mad at me and so he is now trying to claim that I took his dog and his threatening to file a police report. What should I do?

By |2025-02-19T12:02:59-04:00January 28th, 2025|

Can I take any action for my dog being injured at the groomer?

My dog was injured while at the groomers on Saturday. Upon taking her to the vet today, it was discovered that when clipping her nails, they clipped a blood vessel in her paw pad. I want to know if the vet bills is the only thing I can pursue, or if I can seek punitive damages as well.

By |2025-02-19T11:49:35-04:00January 24th, 2025|

My neighbors are trapping cats and dumping them.

My neighbors have been catching cats and dumping them and would not let me feed some baby kittens and they took the mom away. The kittens almost died, and I had to take them to the vet. A friend of mine had to help save these kittens and keep them alive they continue to catch cats in the neighborhood that belong to people and we don’t know where they’re taking them. I just need them to stop being harmful to animals

By |2025-02-19T15:21:00-04:00January 15th, 2025|

Illegitimate foster and adoption process.

I had fostered a dog for nearly 6 months and the foster facilitator completely forgot about my dog. During that time, I had forged a bond with the dog and when the foster care facilitator followed up (4 months later), I stated that I wanted to adopt the dog. After meeting the dog, who she barely spent time with, she triggered her and blankly stated that she should be in the country. Some family from Connecticut that could barely walk the dog was deemed fit to adopt her but it seems unethical to rehome the dog if she wants to stay with me. What are my rights to challenge this unethical adoption process.

By |2025-02-19T15:04:59-04:00January 15th, 2025|

My ex is using my dog to get to me.

I was gifted a dog by a former ex. The dog has been under the care of myself, my sister, and my nephew helps out as well. In the latter part of December 2024, my sister became sick, and she had to go the ER. I am currently out of the state of NY due to work. My sister and I asked a neighbor to keep an eye on the pup but she was unable to. My ex and I have been sharing custody, and he infrequently comes on the weekend to see the dog at random. He happened to be in the area and my sister, and I reached out to him to aid in taking care of the dog in the interim as I wasn’t close by, and she got admitted. My sister has been released from the hospital and has reached out along with myself to retrieve the dog and is suddenly getting the run around. In essence, he doesn’t want to return the dog. We are not together, I believe he is using the dog as a pawn because I do not desire to be with him anymore. I have various phone conversations and receipts along with an agreement that was made for us to take care of the dog. I need advice on what is the best course of action.

By |2025-02-19T14:56:17-04:00January 10th, 2025|

Daughter’s ex left her with his cat and is now suing for custody.

My daughter's boyfriend adopted a cat for $50. He has since asked her to watch the cat while he was deployed in military. He returned and they soon broke up after. He finally, after approximately 6 months is suing for custody but my daughter has had sole custody and expense of the cat for a longer period of time than he ever did. His new gf has dogs that attack the cat, but I'm not sure that will matter to judge. Any advice or recommendations?

By |2025-02-19T14:13:09-04:00January 10th, 2025|

What can I do when authorities won’t help, and I have no money for an attorney?

What do I do if authorities won't even look at the microchip of my cat my friend refuses to return. They won't look at the numerous text messages the other party competently states the acknowledgement of my ownership of my cat. She decided to lie and claims I gave him to her. I did not. Why won't the Fargo, ND Police look at the clear evidence as they would other stolen property? My cat is far beyond a piece If property to me. I have no money for attorney fees. What do I do to stay law abiding?

By |2025-02-19T13:57:38-04:00January 10th, 2025|

Can you buy a dog from an adopter?

There was a dog I completely fell in love with and regret not taking her home with me and can’t stop thinking about it. Is it possible to offer to buy her from the adopter?

By |2025-01-21T12:07:05-04:00December 22nd, 2024|

Foster organization won’t respond to adoption inquiries.

Hello, I have been fostering a 1-year-old dog for the last 2.5 months and about 3 weeks ago I told the foster organization I wanted to adopt her. I was told that they would get back to me and then I didn’t hear anything. Now, 3 weeks later I have reached out to the organization's leaders in multiple ways via text, private Facebook group post, email, and Facebook message. I have received responses to other questions I’ve asked but when I ask about finalizing the adoption nobody responds. I was told a couple months ago by one of the organizers that I am “welcome to adopt her”. At the time I was not ready to adopt because she was having a lot of anxiety and behavioral struggles. Since then, she has gotten better, and I feel that I can safely adopt her. But now nobody will respond to me. I am worried they are going to try to tell me I cannot adopt her for some reason. The only reason I can think of is that she’s been a very high maintenance dog, and I’ve expressed that she really needs training. Is there legal action they can take to prevent me from adopting the dog? Wouldn’t it be considered discriminatory if there’s no evidence against me? Help!

By |2025-01-21T12:02:37-04:00December 18th, 2024|

Abused dog trembles before returning to meth using owner.

What can I do if the dog I watch is exposed to large amounts of meth and trembles when the owner comes to pick him up? It is proved that this individual has lied to their child and continues to engage in behaviors that expose and endanger the animal.

By |2025-01-21T11:59:23-04:00December 12th, 2024|
Go to Top