Maple Plain, MN asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota

Q: What determines true ownership of a dog

I need help!! ;( 3 years ago we were blessed with a full bread pit! My mothers husbands sister who was the original owner loved to pass animals around because she could never really afford them so he ended up being put on a huge metal chain locked up constantly we didn’t like that too much so my stepdad asked if we could take him in and she agreeded 3 years later my prenatal got married and then shortly after but in all those years that dog went through hell and back with us and never left my side he’s put a huge impact on my life and I can’t see him go :( when my mother was incarcerated he took everything and left us with nothing I was only 16 at the time and he left to Idaho we were devasted that the dog was gone but in those 3 months of being in Idaho he ended up killing himself in a truck and the dog watched it happen we got him back but they’re taking us to court

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2 Lawyer Answers
Nicholas Nelson
Nicholas Nelson
Answered
  • Wahpeton, ND
  • Licensed in North Dakota

A: Dogs are treated like other personal property, and as such can be traded, given away, sold, and abandoned. I would need to discuss at length the particular details of your situation to determine to chain of ownership of the dog.

*This is general legal information, and I cannot provide adequate legal advice without first discussing with you all the facts and circumstances of your particular matter.

Lucas Wynne agrees with this answer

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
Answered
  • St. Louis Park, MN
  • Licensed in North Dakota

A: Unfortunately, they way your question is worded is confusing. The owner will usually by evidenced by things like registration, paying for vet bills, providing residence for the dog, etc. Dogs are personal property.

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