I am unaware of any such law. However, you could likely find yourself with an animal abuse charge for keeping a dog out in cruel conditions.

Can they legally keep your dog? Unlikely. Your remedy is to call the police, who will likely tell you it is a "civil matter." Your remedy is to then bring a small claim against the person holding the dog for the return of the dog.

Costly fight over a dog? That's a laugh. Dogs are deemed property. Because that dog is probably worth a couple hundred dollars (at most) in the eyes of the state, the most expensive thing he could likely due is bring you to small claims court or file another civil case.

No attorney can predict the outcome of a case with accuracy. With that being said, if you knew these kids were coming towards your dog and the dog bites them, it sounds like you are the one most likely to lose in that situation because you already knew what was going to happen.

Dogs are property, it could likely be argued that she relinquished the property. Potential small claims court case.

You should check the city code where you live. If you cannot find the answer online then contact them by telephone.

Yes, but you may be able to sue them for expenses in caring for the dog.

The dog is property. You may have to go to the police station and report that she stole your dog, then see if they issue a warrant. They may tell you they're not interested in helping you, in which case you will need to file a lawsuit for the dog in the state where the property (the dog) is... Read more »

You need a criminal defense lawyer. Most attorneys (like myself) offer free consultations.

Ask somebody else to go and pick up the dog.

Small claims court may be an option, but it depends on the situation.

you can sue, but that doesn't mean you'll win.

To give a more practical answer, talk to attorneys who specialize in disability and/or landlord/tenant issues. If no one is willing to take your case on contingency, you'll probably lose

I would likely bring the lawsuit in whichever state you sold the puppy.

The dog is legally property. You will likely need to bring a lawsuit.

They did not gift the dog to you, they wanted you to take care of the dog. Therefore, the original owner.

You should never write to a judge. You should only argue your case in court, usually with the help of a lawyer.

You simply need a lawyer willing to take your case. Before a lawyer will take your case, you should have a retainer ready to pay and know who it was that stole the dog. If you don't know who it was, it's nearly impossible to initiate the proper lawsuit.

Dogs are treated like other personal property, and as such can be traded, given away, sold, and abandoned. I would need to discuss at length the particular details of your situation to determine to chain of ownership of the dog.

*This is general legal information, and I cannot provide... Read more »

Unfortunately, this is not how property ownership works. A dog is considered property.

There is no such thing as "custody" of a dog because a dog is considered property under the law. If they are not caring for the animal, you should call animal control.