Q: Can I be charged with animal abandonment from another state?
I'm in CA and ordered a kitten online from Texas. It was sent by mail but it ended up in Seattle. They want to charge me with animal abandonment if I do not pay $600 which I do not have if I want to get him here or send him back to Texas. They did not tell me about these fees beforehand. What can I do?
A:
It's possible that you could face charges of animal abandonment if the kitten was shipped to Seattle and is now in a situation where it is not being cared for or has been left without appropriate arrangements being made for its care. Abandonment of an animal is a criminal offense in many states, including California and Texas.
However, it's important to understand the specific circumstances of the situation and the laws in the states involved. In general, it may be difficult for the authorities in one state to bring charges against someone who is located in another state, especially if the alleged offense occurred outside of their jurisdiction.
If you are unable to pay the fees requested by the shipping company and are concerned about potential legal consequences, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney who specializes in animal law or criminal defense. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and obligations, and may be able to negotiate on your behalf with the shipping company or other authorities involved. It may also be helpful to document all communications and keep records of any payments made or requested.
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