Q: We found and cared for a sick dog then found a home for it. 1 month later the owner wants it back. What do I do?
I found a sick dog. Had mange and malnourished.
We paid for vet care. It was chipped and the vet contacted owner. One number was disconnected. And the owners were emailed.
We found a home for the dog and the owner finally reached out and wants the dog. She was in jail.
The dog is in a good home. Does the person who adopted the dog have to give it back?
A: You had no right to give away someone else's dog. If the owner could not be located, the dog should have been given to Animal Control for it to put up for legal adoption. If the owner decides to sue you and/or the new "owner", s/he stands a good chance of success. You and/or the new "owner" may have a counter claim against the original owner for the value of services (veterinary, food, boarding) provided. The new "owner" may, in fact, have a lien of the dog that would allow them to keep it until they have been compensated.
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