Q: Ownership of Dog?
I foster (now used to foster) for a 501c3 dog rescue group. A dog was posted that needed a foster and I went and picked up from the ex-owner that was surrendering her. HOWEVER, the surrender form was never signed. The rescue wanted to give it to another foster that I did not believe it was the best home for the dog. I have had her for a month, the vet records of all of her vaccines are in my name and I have paid for them. The rescue has not contributed to any part of her care for the month that I have had her. I have chosen to rehome the dog to what I think will be a better fit. However the rescue is now harassing me late at night and threatening “legal property seizure”. In this circumstance of no surrender form being signed, who owns the dog?
A: On the facts stated, probably the original owner is still the owner. Paying for veterinary care doesn't change the ownership.
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