Minneapolis, MN asked in Animal / Dog Law for Minnesota

Q: Can someone press charges on roommates for removing her dog from a neglectful owner?

My roommate had a dog and she started neglecting him. Leaving him in his crate for two to three days at a time with no food, water, or bathroom breaks. The rest of our house was taking care of him and he became so anxious from her neglect that he was attacking other animals that either live here as well, or at the dog park. We have multiple videos and evidence of her stating she doesn’t want the dog, or that she is not capable of providing for him. She also got diagnosed with BPD and he’s been very erratic to the roommates. We then took the dog out of this house and she stated that she no longer wanted him and that we could take him (this is all on video). We then brought the dog to a friends house to stay until his other owner (her ex) could pick him up. She only paid for the adoption fee and her ex pays for the pet deposit and the pet insurance. We now believe she is trying to call the police on us. Is there anything she can legally do to us for removing the dog from this household?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: I suppose she could try to report it as a theft of the dog, but it sounds like you have a pretty good defense if she really is on video consenting to you taking the dog.

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