Sanibel, FL asked in Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Kentucky

Q: How do I prove ownership of stray animals I saved while leasing a house? Owner of house now claiming ownership...

I leased a house w 5 acres a barn in Bourbon County, KY. I found a starving cat and dog wandering the premises and took them in. I provided all vet- care-de worm, flea meds, rabies, micro chip & all required vaccines. The cat has been in my home since Dec 2017 and the dog since Oct 2018. I moved from the lease to a home I purchased Dec. 16 and now the landlord insists the cat belonged to his daughter and is threatening me with larceny. I have extensive treatment vet records for both animals including spay records . Who owns them? Do I have to return these animals to that landlord when he is using this as a way to avoid giving me my security deposit back on my lease?? The security deposit is a separate issue with that landlord- the premises was left spotless. I even have a 250$ receipt for a cleaning man to tidy it up at my cost. Seems this landlord is using the cat as extortion to avoid returning my deposit. What are my rights and who now owns these animals??? Please Help!

1 Lawyer Answer
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Louisville, KY
  • Licensed in Kentucky

A: Possession and vet records should do the trick. Possession is 9/10 of the law and vet records are the other 1/10.

1 user found this answer helpful

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