your dog (and thus you) were trespassing. They have a fence to keep their dog in. Sounds like you didn't.Sorry, on you.

It would be a difficult case--much would depend on what you signed. However I would check with a member of the Va. Trial Lawyers Assn--they give free consults. The law generally places little value on the life of pets, and little value on their meaning to the owner, and finally "emotional... View More

You know, I haven't heard of it, but a "subpoena duces tecum," which is normally used to subpoena documents, can also be used to subpoena "tangible items," which theoretically could include a dog. I would say the court would not be pleased unless the actual physical... View More

First, get Justia to take down /remove your contact info. You will be trolled, etc.

Second--most states do not recognize that a pet is worth more than it's market value--so if the value of a dog of that age would be $50, that would be all you would get. Whose name was the dog licensed... View More

It is not possible to accurately answer your hypothetical without all the facts.

If you are sued, retain counsel to defend you.

Report any claim immediately to your homeowner's insurance carrier as soon as you are notified of it.

In general, unless the dog has attacked... View More

You could try to do so, but it would require a lawsuit--probably one in circuit court--which would be expensive. You should contact an attorney if you can afford one.

If the dog is in his name, and he is caring for the dog, then the law says it is his property. That does not mean it is legal for him to beat the dog, but it probably means you have no right to take the dog as your own.

She cannot keep your dog without your permission, but she could refuse to keep your dog, or charge you for it.

It depends on what the contract says. It is impossible to say for sure without studying the contract.

There is no yes/no answer to this. It depends on the circumstances and the intent of the parties. You can be legally responsible for what the dogs do because you are caring for them.

A court may find that you are legally obligated to pay, but you do not have to pay until then. You may wish to contact your homeowners or renters insurance, as they may provide coverage.

Whether you have a cause of action depends entirely on the terms of any purchase agreement you may have signed, as well as any oral assurances given to you by the store employees. For more information on your ability to sue, consider reaching out to a local Civil Litigator.

Nope. you need to go through proper legal channels. You can't just extra judiciously take someone else's dog. Consult an attorney.

That would depend on a thorough review of the facts. If you are going to Court and wish to keep the dog, you may want to consider seeking out a local attorney to aid you.

You need a California attorney to handle this.

Depending on your age, you technically may have a cause of action for the return of your cat. However, there are filing fees and attorneys fees associated with this venture. Additionally, you may cheapen your family ties by pursuing this.

While there may be times you are limited in giving away your dog for health or safety reasons, it's not clear why you wouldn't be able to do so in this case. You'd have to have a consultation with a general practice or animal law attorney to review the paperwork you're... View More

You've accidentally posted your question to the Virginia section of Ask-A-Lawyer. Repost it to Rhode Island. Good luck!

Removing the dog to another jurisdiction would not negate potential criminal and/or civil consequences.

You have to look up the local ordinances to find out.