If I find a dirty lost dog and someone claims it to be theirs, do I have to give it to them?

Question

I found a lost dog. He was very dirty and matted. He was frightened and tired. I took him in and groomed him, treated him for fleas, fed him. All he wants to do is sit in my lap all the time. He's very sweet but VERY submissive and timid.

This woman called and claimed he was hers. She said he'd only been gone a couple of days but I had had him for 4 days. She said she wanted him back because she paid $500.00 for vet care for a whole year. Another woman called and said she had found this woman's dog wandering the streets before and the woman didn't even know he was missing. She leaves him outside all the time no matter what the weather.

I think this dog has been neglected and possibly abused. Do I have to give the dog back?

Answer 1

I suppose if the dog can be tracked back to her, than there may be legal requirements for you to return it. However, you could always dispute this, and contact the local law enforcemtn/animal shelter about the condition of the animal and asked to have it placed in your custody.

Alternatively you could offer to pay the $500 to the woman.

Answer 2

Did the dog have a collar with a tag when you found him? How far from the alleged owner's home did you find him? How did he become lost? How did she know to contact you -- have you put up "Lost Dog" posters, or is she just some kook who saw you with a dog and claimed it's hers?

Depending on those circumstances, I might demand proof of ownership (an actual dog license, not photos of her with a similar-looking dog).

If she really is the owner and has been abusing and/or neglecting the dog, I would recommend that you call the humane society on her. You may be required to initially give back the dog, but there are animal organizations you can contact that can inspect the owner's home and check on the pet to verify claims of abuse (I've seen it on Animal Planet).

Then, who knows? Maybe you can adopt the dog at a later time.

Answer 3

If you have the chance keep the dog.Even if that woman claims, the dog belongs to her, the dog's life with her is in jeopardy.Don't return. Even the animal police would him take away from the previous owner, if they find out what kind of living conditions and abuse he had there.Don't believe her, she was spending 500$ for vet care. Just think about it. If it would be true,the dog would look totally different, well fed,maybe a collar on his neck, with a tag of his and the owner's name, maybe a phone number.Keep him, and be careful the woman can't steel him back.

Answer 4

Don't make any contact with her, if that dog was her own she would of been able to give an accurate description. There is a huge difference between tan & black or just tan and the fact that he has no microchip whereas this woman says there is. Personally if I were in this situation I would give the dog into the local ASPCA/RSPCA the moment I found it. It isnt unheard of where people will claim a lost dog is theirs when it isnt and then sell it or use it any way they wish.

Answer 5

Make her provide proof the dog is hers. Also check your local laws. In some states after holding the dog for 3 days, it becomes yours, as long as you were actively seeking the owner.

Here, the pound requires you to bring proof of rabies vaccination and a picture of the dog to prove it is theirs.

If she starts causing problems over it, tell her the dog will be at the local shelter if she would like to claim it there. That way she has to actually pay a little money and the pound will be aware that the dog is always running loose. After picking it up so many times, they will not return it.

Answer 6

If you don't do anything and refuse to give the dog back, she could go to the police or sue you.

Your best option would be to get tangible proof from her that the dog is hers. If she can give that to you, but you feel the animal has been abused, you can report it.

If she cannot come up with any proof that the dog is hers, you should probably ask someone, like a vet or local shelter, what your best options are becuase if she doesn't have proof that its hers and you keep it, she could still sue you.

Answer 7

You do not have to give the dog back. They are just trying to get money from you. If they threaten you tell them to get a lawyer. The obviously don't care about the animal! Bless you for saving this dog! Some people just do not know how to treat their animals. It is so sad. They are not toys or possesions. They living beings and should be treated like family at all times.

Answer 8

Awwwwwwwww'bless your heart for taking such good care of it!
definitely sounds as if it has been VERY neglected !!

However as the law See's it they will be on her side because she has legal ownership!

However if you or anyone could get pictures of the dog and take them and the dog to the nearest vet and shelter for
them too see next time you see it in a bad shape, unbeknown to her in the near future do so!

they can documented it and have prove she is an unfit pet owner and also animal neglect and cruelty law !
just don't tell alot of people cause it might get back to her what you are planning on doing in the future.and heir fore jeopardize your plans to get the dog legally!

Wish you could keep the dog I really do and i know the dog does so!
hang in their and let us know how it turns out !

God bless& best wishes!


Does she know you are the one that has it now?

ask her if she really wants the dog?
However dont let her try and stick you with the so called vet bills?
Infact I would ask to see prove of ownership and other Vet papers and bills before i turn it over to her!

if so call the humane society animal wardern to go with you!

Answer 9

First of all, yes you do. Dog's are property of their owners. If you try to fight it, the owner can produce a few papers saying how the dog is rightfully hers and that would make you a thief.

But if what you say is true about the abuse, contact the local SPCA or, even better, Animal Control. Tell them your case and have them check out the situation. If they do find cases of abuse and neglect then the dog will be put up for adoption and THEN you may legally bring it home.

Answer 10

Try to find a way around it.

Demand proof: registration papers, pictures, etc.
Make her describe every little detail about the dog.
Get her to tell you when he went missing, if she says two days, and you had him for four, it can't be the same dog, right? ;)

If she does have proof, you'll have to give him back. But call your local animal welfare group, and have them investigate.

Good luck, I know its hard to let to let rescue dogs go...especially if you don't think its a good home. I'll be praying for the dog, and hoping he gets to stay with you.

Answer 11

The only way you would have to give him back is if she can prove the dog is hers. She would have to have pictures with distinguishing marks from the dog. Just say you bought the dog from a friend. In most cases the property belongs to whomever has possession of it.