Q: My friend has my dog an he gave it to a friend of his at a rescue. He was suppose to hold onto the dog for a few days.
The day after I dropped it off he gave it to his friend. I found out a day after he did this. He won’t give me the rescue contact information to get my dog back. He says I have to pay him $300 for the. Dog before he gets it back from the rescue place. I have proof on messages an papers I made a police report. But nothings being done. He sent me a text saying he has the dog an he’s dropping it off to his friend who runs a rescue. WhAt are my options
A:
Unclear why you dropped off your dog at your friend's and what he was supposed to do with it. Assuming that he was just dog sitting, you can sue him and the Rescue in Small Claims.
First, make a demand upon your friend and the Rescue that they return your dog. If your demand is refused, bring a Small Claims action.
If you could convince a Small Claims judge that the dog was stolen from you, you can recover the value of the dogs and/or its return. If you sue, bring all evidence that the dog is yours (veterinary records, records of the terms of your adoption/purchase, the terms of your friend's agreement to hold onto the dog, photos, etc), along with some kind of proof of value (receipts, offers for sale of similar dogs, etc.).
Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court; Form SC-100 (Lawsuit for monetary damages)
Request for Court Order and Answer; Form SC-105 (Request for Return of Property, filed with SC-100)
Order on Request for Court Order; Form SC-105A
Proof of Service; Form SC-104
courts.ca.gov/forms.htm?filter=SC
No guaranties that these are the appropriate forms or that a Small Claims Judge will rule in your favor.
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