Sherman, TX asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas

Q: Hi if I was coerced into surrendering my doggy because he threatened me with reporting me as animal cruelty and neglect?

Animal control agent used my situation and how distraught I was against me leaving me no choice but to willingly give up my doggy. She was unjustly and untimely put down. I seek restitution for her name sake.

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Coercion requires evidence of the use of force, or threatened use of force. For example, the classic example of coercion is holding a gun to someone's head and saying: "Sign this or I will shoot."

Being "distraught" and someone using your "situation" against you isn't coercion.

Apart from that, if someone walked up and intentionally shot your dog in front of you, you would be able to recover the fair market value of the dog at the time it was killed, just like if someone intentionally destroyed any other property you own. The fair market value of a dog is going to depend on its breed, pedigree, training, special skills, etc. A typical adult dog that has simply been kept as a pet usually doesn't have significant value.

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