Riverside, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: In the state of California, how long until a dog is considered abandoned property?

My partner and I, w/ the kids and our pets moved out of our home into her grandma's spare room until the house next door (which is also her grandmothers) is ready within the month for us to rent. The previous tenants had 8 dogs between the brothers which are outdoors, untrained, unlicensed, not fixed w/out shots. 6 are gone but David left the Retriever, Jeffery, who is 6 and the Shepard, Loba who is a 7mo. old puppy. He was granted permission to keep his things out back and keep the 2 dogs here w/ cont. care BUT during clicker training with Loba, (teaching her basics so the kids are safe) I'd seen they had gone without food for 3 days so we bought them a bag of pedigree. Aside from David loving them, if he returns often, if theyre going unfed for days inbetween, coupled w/Jefferys slight matting from failure to brush or have him groomed, at what point is it neglect? When should we get them shots or licensed or would that be theft? What if Loba gets pregnant which we don't want?

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2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you want the dogs, offer to take them or buy them. If he doesn't agree, Grandma can tell him he has to maintain the dogs with daily food, water and grooming or they are no longer welcome on her property. If he doesn't comply, call Animal Control. You can adopt them from Animal Control if he doesn't claim them.

1 user found this answer helpful

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in California

A: There's no per se time deadline but rather a totality of circumstances that equates to abandonment of personal property, though the owner should be provided written notice of a reasonable deadline after which the property (e.g., the pet) would be considered abandoned, e.g., 3 weeks, and the related fees (e.g., boarding and care) during that interval. 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, www.AEesq.com. 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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