Wichita Falls, TX asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas

Q: Me and my ex girlfriend both had shared custody of a dog but now she is trying to keep it altogether. What do I do?

Hello, me and my ex split 2 months ago and before splitting we both decided to get a dog. We got the dog for free (from a friend of my ex) but my ex is trying to keep the dog completely. I have spent the same amount of money as her on food, paid for vet bills, attending the visits, kept her over our winter and thanksgiving break, took care of her more than she did at our college apartments. If I were to take the dog and hide it would I be arrested? I tried settling this manner with her respectively but she refuses to give me shared custody. So will I get in trouble if I take the dog and hide it?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Sorry, even though we love them and treat them as children, dogs are property, and it sound like this one belongs to both of you, which means that neither of you can take the dog and hide it from the other.

Realistically, if you can't work out some joint arrangement, let her have the dog. It's not worth fighting over, and won't help the dog.

And yes, if you break into her apartment (since presumably you two are not living together) you could be charged with burglary.

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