Orlando, FL asked in Civil Rights for Florida

Q: If a guy who lives 2 houses down brings his puppy over and leaves it for days then wants her back do I have to ?

The guy found the puppy after someone left her and moved now he just drops her off at my house and don't come back for days and I have taken her to the vet and buy her food. My kids love her and I can't keep losing her when he wants to come back for a day.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: This is a typical situation where the parties make the mistake of not putting anything in writing, which of course can result in "he said - she said", which in turn, would have to be resolved by a court, if the matter is not settled. First, it must be determined handing the puppy over to you was intended as a GIFT. If it's a gift, that's the end of the story; the giver has no claim to ownership. If it wasn't a gift, then it was an arrangement for him to retain ownership and with you temporarily taking care of the dog - for which you can claim compensation. Maybe you can get this resolved by hiring a lawyer to demand that he agree in writing it was a gift, and if he won't do that, to pay you X amount of dollars, with a warning that the dog will be registered in your name if he doesn't comply.

(By the way, this is not a civil rights issue, it's a property dispute.)

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