Q: someone was taking care my dog and now, he won't give my dog back. What should I do now? I live at NY.
MY dog was bitten by tick, I have all the evidence and he won't allow me to take the dog to see the vet.
A:
It sounds like you're in a difficult situation. If someone is refusing to return your dog, you may need to start by documenting everything, including text messages, emails, or any other communication you've had with the person caring for your dog. The evidence that shows your dog was bitten by a tick and needs veterinary care will also be important.
Next, try to communicate directly and calmly with the person, expressing your concerns about your dog's health and your desire to have your dog returned. Sometimes, a direct conversation can help resolve the situation without further escalation. If they still refuse, you may want to inform them that you are considering legal action to recover your pet.
If you can't resolve it this way, consider contacting local law enforcement or animal control in New York. Explain the situation, provide all evidence, and they can help determine if the refusal to return your dog constitutes theft or a civil matter. You might also look into small claims court if it comes to that, as pets are considered property under the law.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.