I've recently rescued a dog, I took it back to it's owners, and they didn't want him, and offered to give him to me free, we took him, a couple of days later, they are demanding some money for it. We have all of it's paperwork. If they were to take this to the police, what rights would we have? We have everything for the dog, there was no paperwork or anything to sign, it's mine and someone elses word against theres?
What would be likely to happen?
2007-09-08 08:20:33 · 19 answers · asked by Jennifer 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
As 'they' say, ownership is 90% of the law. If you have the papers on this dog, and he is in your care...then you are the legal owner. If you haven't licensed it yet, I highly suggest you do so BEFORE the previous owner goes to the cops. If you don't, your case will be weaker, and you could get a ticket from the city.
2007-09-08 08:26:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
These people are trying to haress you. Despite what people tell you paperwork isn`t the only thing when someone is convicted they stole an object you can get proof it`s false.
1.Consult an animal rights organization and ask them about your rights. In this case they`re abandoning the dog. This should work but if this fails do step 2.
2.Talk to them and record them, the thing is to trick them to say something against them. Ask them why they are going against their words, why they didn`t want the rescued dog in the first place and if they are saying you stole the dog why are they demanding money not the dog. If you have or don`t have evidence against them move to step 3.
3. Consult a lawyer. If the lawyer tells you that you don`t have any rights get another lawyer.
4. If they get the police get your lawyer to prove that the dog is rightfuly yours since they gave you the dog in the first place. If this goes to court show the evidence against them, get your ownership and make them pay for the court`s and lawyer expenses.
5. If this fails (always have a backup plan or two) you`ve got no choice but to pay for the dog, make sure there`s paperwork.
2007-09-08 16:25:18 · answer #2 · answered by francoistuvul 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The owners let you have the dog,you have the paperwork for the dog.That dog belongs to you.Good Luck and good job rescuing a dog in need.Apparently the individual owners didn't give a damn about the dog anyway.
2007-09-08 15:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by David 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring the dog to the Animal Control department as a stray and agree to take the dog if the rightful owner doesn't claim him. If the previous owner wants the dog back he will claim it and maybe pay associated fees. It not, after the X days expire you can claim the dog. The previous owners will no longer have a claim. You will be the legal owner.
Check with your local Animal Control Department to make sure this is how it works with them.
2007-09-08 15:35:00 · answer #4 · answered by Mark in Time 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its word against word
But the court would probably wonder why they didnt take the money from a stranger before handing the goods over
If you have the confidence too ...you need to be gathering some kind of evidence from people who know them...they obviously werent interested in the dog (neighbours etc)
Go see the RSPCA if your in UK as well....they may be able to help or if a local branch they may have knowledge of the dog or the previous owners
2007-09-08 16:30:03 · answer #5 · answered by stormydays 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't a matter for the police, unless they are alleging that you stole it. If you have the paperwork, then this should assist you in proving that the dog has been handed over to you willingly. It is hard to see what proof the owners can produce that there was any arrangement for you to pay for the dog or that you helped yourself to the dog and the paperwork unlawfully. It seems extremely unlikely that the matter will get to court in any shape or form.
2007-09-08 15:28:36 · answer #6 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If the incident happened exactly as you say just tell them to go away and you are keeping the dog. and invite them to call the police, if it happened exactly as you say they wont, you will have called there bluff.
if they do call the police explain what happened and the police will then inform them it as nothing at all to do with them it is a civil matter and advise the previous owners to take it to the small claim court if they require payment.
if the demands for money were to be interpreted as excessive they could be charged with demanding money with menaces.
believe the law is on your side in this matter and I would not worry to much about anything.as always truth will prevail
2007-09-09 06:17:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like they are trying to blackmail and intimidate you. This would be a civil matter as you didn't steal the dog. You don't say how, or why you rescued the dog, but the original owners could be guilty of neglect, or abandonment. Good luck with your new friend and I hope everything works out for both of you.
2007-09-08 16:50:02 · answer #8 · answered by flint 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the original owner has any proof that they originally owned the dog, even an eyewitness, and if you don't have any paperwork indicating a change of ownership, or at least an independent witness that can vouch for a verbal grant of ownwership, then I think you would lose.
2007-09-08 15:26:55 · answer #9 · answered by GCB-TO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd call their bluff say to them that can have the dog back I don't think they will, I think they just want money for him, give your local dog rescue a call they'll give you the right info and then they are aware of what the people are up to, good for you helping that dog and I hope you get to keep him, good luck.
2007-09-08 15:31:06 · answer #10 · answered by Bernie c 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋