Fort Collins, CO asked in Animal / Dog Law for Colorado

Q: Someone broke my fence, stole my dog and then called me to come get her because she thinks she's neglected.

I have a husky. Even if she looks bored out there, she prefers to be outside. She sleeps in our bed, is left when we are gone with water and treat filled toys, and goes to the dog park every day. She's certainly not neglected by any means. A (seemingly drunk) young female neighbor broke our fence and stole her out of the yard after we'd been gone from the house for a whole 40 minutes. She screamed that she's neglected because she's always outside, she never sees us playing fetch (my husky does not play fetch, trust me I'd be so happy if she did) and because there are mud prints all over the back door. I guess she assumes that she's clawing for dear life to get inside but she just jumps on the door anytime she wants in (usually followed by her immediately wanting back out). I'm confident the humane society would not take my dog if they came to inspect. What can I charge this person with if they refuse to fix my fence? (trespassing? theft? destruction of property for the broken fence?)

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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: I’m confused by your last sentence whether you have your dog back, but if you do not you can call the police and ask them to help you get your dog back. You can press charges for theft, destruction of Propety (vandalism), and trespassing. The cops will likely ultimately decide what to charge this person with.

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