I'm sorry you are experiencing this, but it's not a simple issue. You need to talk to someone who handles these cases a lot, which I do. It pays to hire someone experienced, so please consider paying for a consultation with me. Free consultations are usually worth what you pay for them; nothing!

Absolutely. About 50% of my case load is dangerous dog defense. You need a lawyer right away. I charge for my consults, because this is my specialty.

The answer is no. Typically the police will not intervene, they will say it's a civil matter. I've only seen a few cases where they have charged someone with theft of a dog. You will need to take them to court. I'd recommend you consult with an attorney who handles matters like... View More

Pursuant to state law, the shelter has to hold dogs with ID for five days (three for dogs without ID). Once the hold period is up they can do whatever they want with the dogs, so make sure you've put in written requests to adopt both dogs NOW and follow up daily.

She should have a consultation with an experienced animal attorney, there is not enough information here to give any type of sound advise.

The police typically will not intervene in cases involving property disputes regarding dogs. Your best bet is to sue them for replevin in county court (not small claims court), and make a civil claim under the rights to stolen property statute. If they truly are a good faith purchaser you would... View More

Have divorce proceedings been started? Does your husband co-own the home or co-lease it? Were the German Shepherds his before you got married or acquired during the marriage? Are the German Shepherds being left outside all day/night? Are the dogs vicious? There are a multitude of questions that... View More

First, it would depend on what the contract says. Second, it would depend on if just not getting a vaccination updated is severe enough of a breach of contract to warrant reclamation. Either this is not all of the story, or you adopted from a very strict rescue that may not be looking at the... View More

Why don't you call animal control? Do you really think it's a good idea to discharge a firearm in a neighborhood? Especially in your scenario where your daughter is in the backyard too? The only specific exemption for shooting a dog is in the state anti-animal cruelty statute which says... View More

You are a bailee under Colorado law, this is what is called a bailment of property. I can see no set of circumstances in which any judge or jury would give you ownership of this dog. Your recovery would be limited to reasonable value of services/out of pocket costs for taking care of her dog.... View More

Did the estate go through probate? Is the daughter the personal representative? These are questions that must be answered to determine if she has standing. If yes to the first to questions, and she intends to give the dog away to someone else, would it make sense to try to negotiate with her to... View More

There really is not enough information to answer this question properly. Does your aunt live in Colorado? Can you get her to tell you who she gave your dog to? Is your dog microchipped? Is she lying to you, i.e. did she in fact lose your dog or bring it to a shelter? You should investigate all... View More

I'd suggest you repost your question with what it is you want to know and more facts. Was this an expensive dog from a breeder or a rescue? Or just a purchase from a private party/ non animal dealer? You probably need an actual consultation with an experienced animal attorney to figure out if... View More

This is governed by state statute. If you fail to reclaim your pet after 5 days, it becomes the property of the shelter, and if you try to sue them, they are immune. They are not even required to notify you. Sorry, but I don't think you'll be getting your dog back.

If it was a year ago, my first question would be why has it taken so long for you to act? In any type of replevin case the court could look at equitable principles of laches meaning why did you wait so long. That being said, was your dog microchipped? If so, and if you could find the person who... View More

Dogs are considered property, so the issue will be who purchased the property, which it sounds like was you since you say the adoption papers are in your name. Seeing the dog in the shelter, without more like actively communicating with the shelter about co-adopting the dog, cohabitating, caring... View More

It was illegal for him to sell you a puppy younger than 8 weeks old. File an online complaint with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Pet Animal Care Facilities Act division. Furthermore, this individual may need to have a USDA (united states department of agriculture) license, so check with... View More

Your landlord should not be coming into your house whenever he feels like it. Treat your dog as if he/she is on quarantine, i.e. don't take your dog anywhere and don't let strangers come into contact for 10 days. If animal control comes to investigate, explain the situation to them. I... View More

Have you talked to your neighbor about this? This would be trespass and potentially more, and legally you would have the right to shoot the dog (that's how serious this is considered in CO), so perhaps a discussion with the dog's owner or local animal control is in order!

Nothing you describe is criminal in nature. As long as the dogs have food, water and shelter, there is not neglect. He has not abandoned them. The legal definition of abandon under Colorado Revised Statutes is: 18-9-201 (1) "Abandon" means the leaving of an animal without adequate... View More