Q: Can my girlfriend‘s mother put my dog under her name without my consent?
Dog law
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
Under California law, pets are considered personal property. This means that without your consent, it is generally not legal for someone else, including your girlfriend's mother, to claim ownership of your dog or register the dog under her name. Ownership of a pet is typically determined by who purchased the pet, whose name is on registration documents, and who provides care for the pet.
If you have evidence that you are the rightful owner, such as receipts for purchase, veterinary bills, or registration documents, these can be crucial in establishing your legal ownership. If your girlfriend's mother has already put the dog under her name without your consent, this could be considered an unauthorized action, and you might need to take legal steps to rectify the situation.
In a situation like this, it's advisable to communicate clearly and document your ownership and any communications you have with her mother regarding the dog. If the issue cannot be resolved amicably, you might need to consider legal action to assert your rights as the owner. Consulting with a lawyer who has experience in property or animal law could provide you with guidance on how to proceed. Remember, protecting your legal rights and the well-being of your pet is important in situations like this.
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