Lafayette, LA asked in Animal / Dog Law for Louisiana

Q: If the previous owner left her dog with me for over 4 months without compensating for food and care, am I the new owner?

I have taken care of this dog since the end of February 2020 without anyone’s help including the previous owner and I wish to keep her. The proofs owner has asked us if we wish to keep her back in April but now at the end of July she wants to take her back. I’m wondering if the dog is legally mine now

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2 Lawyer Answers
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Denver, CO

A: Probably not. You didn't say whether or not you accepted her offer of the dog back in April. If you didn't accept or didn't answer, then the dog is not yours and still belongs to the original owner.

Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Covington, LA
  • Licensed in Louisiana

A: Have you gotten the dog any vaccinations, a license, had it chipped, paid a vet bill or have a receipt for grooming? These are things you could use to prove ownership.

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