What do I do if my ex has stolen my dog?

Question

When my ex and I were together, I purchased a puppy (worth $800), but my housing situation did not work out, so we agreed to keep it at his place. I continued to pay for all the puppy's toys, food, and vet bills, as it was understood that it was mine. Now that we've broken up, he is absolutely refusing to even let me SEE the dog. I could take him to small claims, but from what I understand, I can only sue him for the money then. I'm very attached to my dog and would very much like to see it again. Any advice?

Few more details: yes I paid the $800, I have contract of ownership papers, testimony of breeder, checks, etc., but since the dog is at his place, it's registered under his address.

Answer 1

But if you win the money he may be willing to give up the dog verses give you money.

(Worth? or that's what you paid for it?)

Answer 2

If you have that. Just change the registration to your address. Once you have that Call the cops and say that he stole your dog. Show them the papers. and they'll get it back. Should work.

But only do it if you know the dog will have a better life with you. Don't do it Just Because YOU PAID $800 for it. It wouldn't be fair.

Answer 3

The best thing for you to do is go see the Judge at your local Magistrate Court. The Judge can tell you what it is that you need to do to get your dog back. This is a civil matter, and that is what any law enforcement office would tell you. No officer is going to go with you to remove property from someone's home without a court order.

This is your dog, and it should be returned to you.

Answer 4

If your name is on the the slip, I don't see how what address is on it should matter. It states you as the owner not him. I don't know what you can do. I had figured you could bring it to court and since you are the owner on the paper you could get your dog back. I don't see how he could possibly keep it when you are clearly stated as the owner not him. I don't like to refer to pets as property but in court he could be considered your property.

Answer 5

Here's your question (asked by someone else) under the Hound Law section of urbanhound.com

http://ny.urbanhound.com/houndLaw/ShowAnswer.asp?QID=317

Also check out this site from the Animal Legal Defense Fund:
http://www.aldf.org/resources/details.php?id=70

Good luck!

Answer 6

I think you can get the dog back. Do you have papers or anything that have your name? Vet bills and statements with your name? If all the dogs information, records, etc are in your name I believe you can get it back.

Answer 7

If you have ownership papers, the dog is legally yours no matter where it is housed. Go to the police and they can get your dog back, for you.
.

Answer 8

Well, it sounds to me like he is using the dog to try and keep you close.. It's likely he is looking to try and get you to try and come up with some sort of deal that works out for both of you. If he is taking good care of the dog and you truly don't want anything to do with the guy, get another dog . Lesson learned

Answer 9

take him to court.. those breeder contracts may hold up.. they are a legally binding contract after all! If the judge only awards you th emoney, he may decide to give you the dog instead of coughing up cash!

Answer 10

Im sorry but it sounds like you don't have a dog anymore. Without having it writing that it is your dog, you don't have a case. If it was living at your house then you could press charges but other than that your out a dog, sorry.