Q: I legally adopted a dog from a shelter in California that has not been spayed yet. Without any records, can she be clamd
This person claims to be their owner. They have no pictures or documentation. This dog was found on a highway. It is a puppy. The dog has been in a shelter for approximately 10 days. This person has not even come into the shelter to view the dog, nor are they going to come into the shelter for another week. The shelter is putting this dog on a hold. They will not relinquish her to me. What are my rights? TY
A:
In California, once you have completed the adoption process and legally adopted the dog, you generally have the rights of ownership, including the right to possess and care for the dog. The fact that the person claiming ownership has no pictures or documentation, and has not come to view or collect the dog, may work in your favor.
To assert your rights and resolve this situation, you can consider taking the following steps:
Gather documentation: Collect all relevant adoption paperwork and documents that prove you are the legal adopter of the dog. This includes adoption agreements, adoption certificates, and any correspondence or records from the shelter.
Communicate with the shelter: Reach out to the shelter and provide them with clear and documented evidence of your legal adoption. Explain the situation and assert your rights as the rightful owner of the dog. Request that the hold be lifted and that the dog be released to you.
Consult with an attorney: If the shelter continues to withhold the dog despite your evidence of legal adoption, it may be necessary to consult with an attorney who specializes in animal law. They can provide legal advice, review your documentation, and guide you on the appropriate legal actions to assert your ownership rights.
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