Technically, five years. But, not if you can argue that she essentially abandoned the dogs to your care, which could be argued because she left them with you with no provisions to take care of them. If she contacts you for return of the dog/puppies, contact an experienced animal attorney to... View More

Absolutely!! It can be considered animal cruelty. Contact local law enforcement or animal control. Try to visualize whether there is adequate shelter for the type of dog. Give as much info as possible.

Did this happen in CO or Illinois? In Colorado there is governmental immunity and also most ordinances state that shelters holding animals under the code (for example a bite quarantine or court hold) are not liable for any injury or disease. Before you sue (as recommended by the previous lawyer)... View More

It is highly unlikely you would be able to recover your vet bills if you can even find him to serve him with a small claims lawsuit. Pets are property and like all other property, they are sold "as is" unless you have a contract with a warranty or guarantee. Colorado does not have a... View More

Definitely report to law enforcement right away. If criminal charges are filed you shouldn't have to sue, your out of pocket and value of your dog will be included in restitution. In Colorado pets are considered property so you won't be able to sue for loss of love and companionship.... View More

They probably won't get destroyed because they have not bitten anyone or attacked your dogs yet. Keep your dogs inside and don't leave them unattended in your yard. Call the police or animal control every time they get out, they might impound them if they are a danger. I never advise... View More

Unfortunately, animal control is who we typically rely on to address potential issues of neglect. You can reach out to rescues in your area that do community outreach and see if any of them are willing to go talk to the owner. However, unless the owner wants to change things, there's no way... View More

Yes, wolf hybrids are heavily regulated in Colorado, I would imagine the same in Texas. You will need to look at the state law, and then local law (municipal and/or county). There are also limits for how many dogs are allowed in a household which also varies per municipality. A bone fide service... View More

Typically one cannot sue a co-owner in a replevin action. Rather, she needs to file an action for partition in District Court and ask for his ownership interest to be severed and then for replevin, i.e. court ordered possession of the property which has now been declared to be hers. Winning a... View More

I believe you have asked this same question two other times. Yes, she can sue you.

Going to jail is not a voluntary act. To abandon a dog, the act must be voluntary.

She can possibly take you to court (small claims), but since you don't have the dog anymore, her damages will probably be limited to the replacement cost of her dog. If you get served with a complaint you should contact an experienced animal attorney for a consultation.

I have consulted with two persons in Colorado that did have theft charges brought against them for similar issues. In the event you are contacted by police, you should have a consultation with an attorney who has practiced in this area for many years and can discuss potential liability. Typically... View More

I represent numerous rescues in Colorado. I draft their adoption contracts to have serious consequences if an adopter violates the contact including a $2500 liquidated damages and an attorney fee clause. Rescues save animals from death and want to fully vet any new home. They have the best... View More

The only statutory way to sever ownership of a found animal is to give it to a public or private shelter, and after three to five days depending on the circumstances the shelter will own the animal. Some shelters will let the finder keep the animal at home for it's stray hold. So I would... View More

You don't say whether you bought from a pet store or a private party or a rescue. If it's a private party, there's nothing you can do. If it's a pet store, NEVER buy from them, they use puppy mill dogs. That being said, Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, it's not a... View More

This depends on whether the owner was charged under the state cruelty law or a local ordinance. Under the state law, the owner has to pay for the cost of care of the dog every month or he forfeits ownership. If it's a local ordinance it would depend on what the impound law says, but usually... View More

Do not leave your dog outside unattended and definitely put up surveillance cameras to watch your yard. They can't charge you with anything related to aggressive dog or drug dog at large without a witness who is willing to go on record.

Really, you would consider shooting a wheelchair bound person's dog in a public park where an elderly woman was in the mix? You very possibly could have been charged with felony animal abuse, reckless endangerment and unlawful discharge of a firearm unless you could prove a human's life... View More

You no longer own the dog so you cannot sue for replevin. Replevin is only for cases in which someone has property that you own. When you gave your dog away you lost ownership.