Q: If person has a found dog and sees signs looking for dog, but doesn't contact authorities or call owner, is it stealing?
Thank you Mr. Thorgaard! 1. If the man knew the dog was missing and made no attempt to return it, isn't that theft, assuming he saw the posted flyers, and received the email with a flyer sent to him. 2. After receiving an anonymous call telling me the man had the dog, I'm suspicious she has him. She said she lived at the apts. and was very forthcoming with info. She is now very evasive, and after tracking her phone number, I see she doesn't live there, but said she lived on the same floor as the man so wanted to be anonymous. I investigated, and she lives in FWB and the number she texted and called from his listed to her, but also listed on a Facebook Business page, owned by someone else, as their number, and they are friends. She might have the dog, and knows he's missing. How is she breaking the law? Is it considered theft in this case? Thank you again.
A: I think what I was trying to suggest is that it is doubtful that she would be prosecuted because she can claim to be unaware of the posters, etc. The authorities would have to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that she knew the dog was yours. They may feel that proving that would be difficult.
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