Q: Girl found a stray dog, gave her to us. Shelter took dog from us then girl claimed ownership of dog and wont return dog
Girl found stray dog and offered the dog on Instagram and we accepted. We picked dog up from her, bought a bed and food, and took dog to the vet to get shots, check for chip, and try to get ownership. The shelter took dog from us to look for owner, but we still got first priority of adoption if the shelter never found the owner. Then the girl who gave us the dog falsley claimed to be the owner and the shelter gave her the dog. All she showed the shelter were pictures she had of the dog. Girl then gets chip under their name and won't give us the dog back after telling us she was going to give us the dog. This was all via text so we have proof she had agreed to give us dog and also proof she never had ownership. What can I do? Press charges, go to police, try to find real owner, etc?
A: Why did the shelter take the dog from you? You may be able to sue the girl for fraud, breach of contract, and conversion. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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