Hayward, CA asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: My uncle's gf took my 2 newborn french bulldogs when they were 2 days old. She said she would whelp them and return them

She will not return them and police aren't helping. How do I get them back

2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If someone has taken your French bulldogs without your permission, you may have legal options available to you to retrieve your dogs.

First, you should gather any evidence that you have to prove that the dogs are rightfully yours, such as purchase or adoption papers, photos, or veterinary records. This can help establish your ownership of the dogs and strengthen your case.

You may also want to consider sending a demand letter to the person who has taken the dogs, stating that they are your property and demanding their return. This letter can be sent via certified mail and should include a deadline for the return of the dogs.

If the person who has taken the dogs still refuses to return them, you may need to take legal action. This may involve filing a lawsuit in small claims court or consulting with a lawyer specializing in pet ownership and recovery cases.

In addition, you may want to consider contacting local animal control agencies or rescue organizations to see if they can assist in retrieving your dogs. They may have resources or contacts that can help you get your dogs back.

Overall, it's important to act quickly and decisively in cases of pet theft or unlawful possession. The longer the dogs are missing, the more difficult it may be to recover them.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: YOU NEED TO IMMEDIATELY SEND A DEMAND LETTER SETTING FORTH ALL THE FACTS.

SEND IT RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED SO THEY CAN'T ARGUE THEY NEVER REC'D IT.

I WOULD THEN ATTACH THAT TO A SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT.

WHEN I HAVE SAT AS A JUDGE PRO TEM, IN SMALL CLAIMS, I ALWAYS LOOK AT THE DEMAND LETTER SENT AND NOT RESPONDED TO BY THE DEFENDANT.

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