Alburnett, IA asked in Animal / Dog Law for Iowa

Q: My buddy’s dad bought an xxl pit bull off a guy without receiving paperwork and now the guy wants him back?

The pit bull was a couple months old at the time and extremely starved with a stomach full of rope that took 4000$ surgery to remove it, since then almost a year later he is a beast of a dog in a happy home that weighs 150+ pounds and now the neglectful owner he bought him off says he wants the dog back Because of his size and how well my friend dad has raised him and that he’s going to call the police because he has the paperwork for the dog even though he was paid handsomely for him. Is there any way in hell this man has a chance of removing this loving dog from its happy home?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Answered

A: If your buddy's dad can prove he paid for the dog (text messages, emails, social media messages + proof of payment -- if it was cash, he'll need the cash withdrawal receipt), then the police shouldn't get involved. The police likely won't get involved, anyway, especially if your dad has had the dog for a while. This other guy will likely have to sue to get the dog back. The short answer is, even if the cops try to take the dog, your buddy's dad should ask them for their warrant to seize the dog. They won't have one, obviously, and that should stop them in their tracks from taking the dog from your buddy's dad. That doesn't mean they won't charge him with the crime of theft, but that can be addressed in court and at least your friend's dad will still have his dog.

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