Q: I bought a dog,was financially responsible, and primary caregiver. After I left, abusive ex got TRO with custody of dog
Abusive ex boyfriend allowed me to buy a dog after he got drunk and punched me in the eye. I bought the dog, 100% financially liable, food, vet, medication, stayed at home with dog, etc. Any compensation was feigning kindness to manipulate. The next couple years Ex abused dog, throw items at him, kick him, too aggressive w/ him, he is less than ten lbs. Dog would cry, urinate himself and run to me. The dog was not the only victim of his narcissistic abuse. Scared to just leave bc he has told me he can find where Iive, scared to report animal cruelty he would 100% know it was me. But, I did it, left with the dog. Thought i was in the clear. Then I was served a DV TRO! Frivolous charges, false pretenses, the judged granted it, ordered me to give him custody! Not a chance, so I have had friends/family care for him. Then contempt charges, then criminal charges. Civil will trail criminal but criminal judge ordered I hand dog over bc ex is now claiming theft! How do i protect dog ASAP!
A:
You lost your DV TRO. That was your opportunity to prove ownership of the dog and to protect it. You have an obligation to comply with the court's orders, including handing the dog over.
The "T" in "TRO" stands for "Temporary". It is not final. Get an attorney.
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