San Francisco, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: What can i do to get my dog back that was taken by my friends coworker without my knowledge or consent?

I had to leave town for a few days for work and during my absence i had left my dog under my boyfriend's supervision. When i got back my boyfriend told me that he had asked a mutual friend of ours to watch my dog for a night because my boyfriend (due to a critical accident involving a family member) had to leave for a night. Both of us returning home the next morning found out our friend more or less gave my dog to his coworker for whatever reason. When i contacted the coworker she told me she found a new home for the dog, i explained that the dog already had a home and would appreciate if she got my dog back and she told me no.I tried making a police report at my local police station who then told me i couldn't report it and to contact animal control and they would help me but when i contacted animal control they told me to call the police I felt helpless and confused so i thought theres nothing i could do and now a couple months have passed and i need to know what to do Please help

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2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Make a written demand to your friend, his coworker and the new "owner" that they return the dog and/or pay its fair market value/replacement cost (set a specific amount), plus punitive damages for theft (set a specific amount).

If the dog isn't returned, sue in Small Claims for your damages and punitive damages or return of the dog:

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

2 users found this answer helpful

William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Also, I would go back to the police and insist on making a report of a stolen dog. If they don't want to take the report, you can ask to make a "counter report" in which you write out all of the details, including names, addresses, facts and dates.

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