Grand Junction, CO asked in Animal / Dog Law for Colorado

Q: Are there any laws about keeping a dog you found even though you know the owner has been frantically looking for it?

I know of a older gentleman who lost his dog, it was just brought to our attention that someone had found the dog 5 mins after she had gotten out but the finder has decided that he likes the dog and even though he knows the ower has been searching for her frantically, he's even offered a reward the finder has basically refused to return the dog. I'm just wanting to get some knowledge for the original owner for when he goes to speak to the finder about getting his loved dog back.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: The original owner still retains the rights of ownership and possession of the dog. If he demands the dog back from the finder, legally, the finder should give him back his dog. The owner could call the police but if the police refuse to get involved and he finder refuses to give the do back, the owner will have to sue the finder in court.

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