Q: We found a stray dog that we have been taking care of for a week. The local shelters would not take him.
We went to the house where we suspected the dog lived twice. We were informed by the woman in the house that the dog belongs to her brother who is homeless and on drugs. She told my boyfriend to keep the dog because she couldn't take it. We have had the dog for 1 week, and the alleged owner is claiming that it is his dog. What can we do to prevent this dog from running the streets again? We have paid for vet bills and care. This dog was running the streets in Dayton, Ohio for 2 months.
A: If it's his dog and wants it back, you have no right to refuse him. Dogs are treated like personal property under the law with few exceptions. If the dog is running lose, you can contact animal control if you're concerned. Otherwise, if he agrees to give you ownership you can take the dog to a shelter, or see if you can find someone to adopt it.
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