Palo Alto, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: A neighbor gave me 2 cockatiels 2 years ago. She didn't want them so I took them. Now she wants them back.

The birds have bonded with one another, and have also bonded with our family. They are also very tightly bonded to my developmentally disabled aunt. I have paid for their care 100% for the last 2 years. She has never indicated at all, in the last two years, that she wanted the birds back. Now, almost two years later, she does. Do I have to give them back? They were given to me as a gift with no strings attached. What is my recourse if she keeps insisting that I give them back? I have receipts for all of the food, medication, and care that I have provided to them over the last two years. Does she have any legal recourse? Also, do I have any legal rights with regard to keeping them? There was never any paperwork exchanged, she just told me to take them because they were too noisy and she did not want to care for them any longer. Any advice that you can give would be very much appreciated. Thank you, in advance!

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

A: If she gave them to you, the birds are yours.

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