Q: My ex paid for the dog and some vet bills. I am the legal owner on paper and dog lives with me. Can he take the dog?
N/A
A: Most likely, no, he can not take the dog away from you. Dogs are property, not children, so he has no right to the dog, even if he paid bills, etc. If you're the owner listed on the adoption/purchase paperwork, and not him (jointly or individually), then he would not win against you in court. Could he sue you just to make your life difficult? Yes, absolutely. But it sounds like he would not win. I would recommend speaking to an animal lawyer in your area if he does move forward with a lawsuit, though.
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