My wife and I are separated and she took my dog, that I purchased before we got married (My name and signature are on the owners papers), and gave him to a shelter without my permission. What can I do in this matter. I've been trying to locate him and he may be at a shelter that i'll be going to tomorrow, but if it's not good news...what can I do criminally and/or civil?
2006-10-08 18:11:45 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
The guidelines for custody of pets is only now being considered as being important, so judges are beginning to see cases. If you can't find your dog, you should talk to an attorney about it..Not much is cut and dried, but depends on the presentation ..and.. the judge..
It isn't a criminal matter, unless there was a prenup that had such agreements about community property, but you may have a good civil case.
2006-10-08 18:42:06 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The way some people behave when they break up makes me wonder how or why they ever got together in the first place. The only reason I say that is I caught the brunt of the crap between my mother and father when they broke up, and I have a younger brother and sister too.
Anyway, I don't know if you have an attorney or not, but if you do you might want to contact him/her for advice/help in the matter. In the mean time, it important to find your dog if it's at a shelter, before somebody else comes along and adopts it. Because, if that happens then you might not be able to find it or get it back.
However, if you have the help of an attorney then you might be able to force you wife to tell you where the dog is if you can't find it.
I hope this helps and good luck.
2006-10-09 01:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by JSalakar 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you live in a community property state, nothing but find your dog. If he's not at the shelter tomorrow, KEEP LOOKING.
You need to call animal control in your area, and/or the police and find out the laws. Most states have shelter or rescue networks and should be able to help find your dog, especially if he's a purebred. Depending on where she took him, you may be working in a short window between intake and euthanasia, so get MOVING!
You can try looking on and calling shelters and rescues in your area at www.petfinder.com - or get on www.craigslist.org and set up an acount in your nearest city, and check the Pets listings, then ask for advice in the Pets forums.
As to what you can do civilly, get the BEST divorce lawyer and private detective you can, find out her dirty little secrets, and take anything and everything that you can from her. A woman who would do that to your dog probably has some skeletons in the marital closet that will surprise you.
IF you get him back, have him microchipped. Then take dated pictures of him with you, showing all his markings, even paw pads. Ask your vet to keep a set.
I wish you the very best of luck. Don't give up! Get revenge. ;)
Legally, of course.
2006-10-09 01:46:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
A phone call to the police could solve this problem. You have the right to say she stole the dog and possibly with the police present she may fess up to the dogs whereabouts and at the very least you get him back. You should be able to file an emergency hearing and basically have a court hearing where she will be held in contempt if she does not tell where she took him. Good luck- I am so sorry!
2006-10-09 18:49:05 · answer #4 · answered by Smilingcheek 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Laws vary by state. If you live in a community property state, that dog was equally hers, no matter whose name was on the papers (unless you had a prenup that addressed that.) You need to consult an attorney for your options if you decide to press anything criminally or civilly.
Whatever you do, do not reconcile with this woman. It takes a special kind of evil to use a person's pet in a spiteful manner like that. Good riddance for her, I say. Stick with your dog....I sure hope you find him. *paws crossed*
2006-10-09 01:27:58 · answer #5 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If anyone did that to my dog I would beat them until they returned the dog to me. That is like taking your child away from a previous relationship.
Call the police first. Only because it is quicker than an attorney. They should be able to direct you in some way. Then call an attorney.
I feel bad for the dog. That is just not right.
2006-10-09 02:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, she just did this to get back at you. If you are smart seek leagal advice while hunting for your dog and I would put a notice in the paper and local vet officies also. Billboards in supermarkest are a good idea also. Where I live, a radio station has a swap shop time and lost and found dog time, so call your local radio station and see if they have this or ask if they could start one with the humaine society. I would call the humain society and inform them also and animal control. good luck. I hope you find your baby.
2006-10-09 01:28:20 · answer #7 · answered by clsmlbkl 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet would be to talk to a lawyer about this situation. I would say that if only your name was on the papers for your dog then what she has done is wrong. The problem that could come into play is the fact that you two are married and even though you are seperated, technically whats yours is hers and vice versa. But talk to a lawyer and see what can be done. Goodluck! Keep me updated, I hope you find your dog.
2006-10-09 01:24:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
She most certainly CAN NOT.
I'd call the police and have her arrested for property theft.And if dog is not at this shelter have the police find out where the dog is.
You have the papers to prove he's yours to show police and shelter right?Hopefully you have the original purchase receipt too or canceled check?That'll help alot.
Good luck.
2006-10-09 08:06:28 · answer #9 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't waste your time with suits, etc. It's such a waste of energy, time, and money. Just find your poor little dog and don't talk to her anymore. Move on and find someone who is nicer. What a witch! She probably didn't even take him to a shelter. She probably just told you that to piss you off.
2006-10-09 01:16:18 · answer #10 · answered by Fartbuster 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋