While at my sister-in-law's wedding in CA, my dog's escaped my yard and were picked up by Animal Control. We had recently moved to Copperas Cove from San Antonio, so I didn't know the Local Laws. As soon as we returned , I went to the pound and bailed them out. I paid $70 in impound fees. They informed me I also needed a rabies certificate and city licenses within 72hours. Since we had moved I had no idea where their rabies certificates were, but it was almost time again, so I rushed them to the vet and got them their shots- $24, then went and got them licensed for Copperas Cove- $2 and bought an invisible fence system to keep them in from now on $180.
Now , I have just received a SUMMONS to COURT on 2 counts of "Domestic Pet at Large" and 2 counts of "No City License" . It says they are going to issue a warrant for my arrest! I don't understand. I did what I was supposed to do. I have NEVER been introuble with the law and I don't have money to pay fines or lawyers. Someone Help!
2007-10-18 09:24:35 · 5 answers · asked by reddhen 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The part you missed was showing them you completed these items. Go to court on your assigned date and show a copy of the licenses, rabies certificate etc. Bring receipts for the invisible fence and any thing else you spent money on to resolve the issue. The judge may drop the charges on the spot. They will issue the warrant if you don't show up for court.
2007-10-18 09:30:24 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would not worry. Despite, paying the impound fees, there will always be a corresponding citation. The fee you paid was only to have your dog(s) released. It does not take care of the misdemeanor violation (I'm assuming its a misdemeanor, because it is where I am from) against you, the owner of the dog. You will have to go to court and plead your case to the magistrate judge. This is not a trial. It is much more informal. Most likely, if you don't have any previous violations and your dogs did not injure anyone, the judge will say "shame on you" and "don't do this again," after you, of course, show you have now complied with all local and state laws (rabies certificate and registration). After the lecture, the judge will generally impose a fine on you (some states it's mandated, others it's up to the judge). I've seen fines range from $50 to $200. Also, the note about issuing a warrant for your arrest, is a bench warrant if you don't show up for the summons. If you do as the court asks, you will not be arrested for a misdemeanor. If what you had done was criminal, the sheriff would have arrested you by now.
2007-10-18 09:43:39 · answer #2 · answered by viscontc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the receipts or papers from the rabies check as well as papers from their licensing and the receipt from the fence, as well as pictures if you can take them, and take them with the forms to the Court Administrator's office. Say that you are showing proof of licensing. Usually city or rural ordinances aren't that harsh on animals. They may tell you to contact the control officer that took in the dogs in the first place. Make sure you have DATE STAMPED items that coincide with how quickly you were able to get these things done. But do it as soon as possible to avoid any warrants. Good luck!
2007-10-18 09:33:54 · answer #3 · answered by Valerie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in texas and I kennel/crate my dogs when im out of the house. I have never heard of such a law.
2016-05-23 11:05:39 · answer #4 · answered by gladis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We keep all our dog's records in a folder that is always easily accessible. It's kind of like you not knowing where your own driver's license is.
I guess you have to go to court and show them now.
2007-10-18 09:40:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋