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North Dakota Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I have been looking for my dog for over a year i found him at a shelter in another town they are refusing to release him

they will not give back my dog

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 17, 2023

In North Dakota, if you've been searching for your dog for over a year and have now found it at a shelter in another town, you could take several steps to reclaim your pet. Gather evidence of ownership like vet records and photographs, and communicate calmly with the shelter staff, providing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: What is the time limit for any dog to be outside in minus degree weather in North Dakota ? 24/7
Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Nov 19, 2020

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: If a dog is found by someone and they decide they can't keep the dog for less than 24 hrs, can they rehome it?

My dog was running on our land and picked up by someone. The person then decided to rehome and request people to come get him in less than 24hrs. Is that legal?

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Jun 17, 2020

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: Can an ex legally demand your dog to go with them?

My ex and I broke up in September of 2019. 2 months later he asked to take our dog from me and I said no because he did not have his own place to live yet. A few months later he asked if a friend could come take him from me to take to my ex, I said no because I was not comfortable with someone else... View More

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Apr 28, 2020

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: If my dog bites a kid that came to him without permission or being warned that he has not been near kids is it my fault?

Hypothetical question. Was told by my brother and sister in law it would be my fault. My dog is a Sheltie and is very expressive before taking action also has not bitten anyone. I am concerned with how kids act around dogs and dont listen very well that I will have to put my dog, who is my ESD for... View More

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Apr 7, 2020

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I got a dog from a friend that was asked by her friend( owner of the dog) to find her a new home -

2 months later her owner changed their mind and wants her back- can she legally come and take the dog since she didn't even look for it for over 2 months ? Does she need to pay me for the Vet Bills I had to pay to get the dog fixed and vaccinated?

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Apr 3, 2020

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: Is it illegal to bury your dead dog in your own backyard? I live in city limits.
Tammy L. Wincott
Tammy L. Wincott
answered on Nov 1, 2019

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I was asked to care for a dog of someone who was evicted from their home. I was told that the owner of the dog would be

bringing me the paperwork to change the chip info on the dog. This request was made on behalf of the owner who also had 4 pit bulls placed with a rescue during this same incident. The owner, in possession of all my contact info, employment and knew where I lived, never showed, never called or... View More

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Oct 23, 2019

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I was engaged to a girl for 12 years we broke up but stayed roommates today she flew to Utah and took my dog

I just want my dog back

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Oct 23, 2019

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... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I feed, watered & opened window for 2 dog's in hot garage. 90°. I am being charged w trespassing now. Help

Nobody was home at this house. The police told them my name. The dogs were sitting in their own feces & urine...the whole garage was covered of weeks of waste. It was toxic! The door was unlocked, heard the dogs barking for weeks, I called police 3 times

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Jun 23, 2019

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I left my dog with my mom for a week while I went on a trip and now she’s threatening to get rid of her what to do?

I have the official vet record and I can get a proof of purchase what should I do? and what if she already got rid of her?

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Mar 22, 2019

Ask somebody else to go and pick up the dog.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: Is there anything I can do to get my money back from the people who sold me a puppy that died within two days?

My husband and I bought a puppy from this couple in Devil’s Lake. Everything was fine until we fed him. He had diarrhea after we fed him and the next day he threw up and still had diarrhea. My husband took a nap for a couple of hours and saw that the puppy had pooped on himself. He went to pick... View More

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Jan 16, 2019

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for North Dakota on
Q: Can I see my landlord for not accepting my Emotional Support Animal?

I live in Fargo, North Dakota and currently there are no psychologists that sign for Emotional Support Animals, so I went online and found a psychologist that did. Only thing is that they are from California. My landlord denied my Emotional Support Animal letter because the psychologist is not from... View More

Stefan Dunkelgrun
Stefan Dunkelgrun
answered on Sep 16, 2018

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

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: So like 5 or 6 months ago i sold a puppy to my ex's cousin and she has never paid for him. I live in ND and she SD...

What am i supposed to do? Should i take her to court in SD or ND?

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Jul 18, 2018

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

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: We surrebdered our sick dog over to the vet. Vet sent dog to adoption agency. How can we get him back?

My wife is immune suppressed, dog has c-dif. Not safe for wife. Had no place to put dog till healthy. Surrendered dog to vet. Realized the mistake. Ask for him back few hours later. They said no, Not your dog.

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Jul 18, 2018

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: Who has rights to the dog?

We assumed responsibility for a dog unexpectedly a few weeks ago as the owner went to jail. They originally said they wanted us to take care of the dog. Now they are supposed to get out in 2 months and want the dog back. I've taken the dog to the vet for all

Her shots and set up an... View More

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on May 22, 2018

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for North Dakota on
Q: An officer took my 12yr old dog from my yard in a private property trailer park. Took to the pound, charged dog at large

I was Charged with "Dog at Large" 2 months later. She's maybe 2 lbs tops and has had most of her teeth pulled due to old age and is as friendly as ever, she, xxx, just likes being held.

Do the police or animal patrol have to be called to come into the trailer park? Trailer... View More

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on May 22, 2018

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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for North Dakota on
Q: Someone broke into my home and stole my dog and police won't help me get him back, what do I do?

What kind of lawyer do I need?

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Mar 17, 2018

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.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: What determines true ownership of a dog

I need help!! ;( 3 years ago we were blessed with a full bread pit! My mothers husbands sister who was the original owner loved to pass animals around because she could never really afford them so he ended up being put on a huge metal chain locked up constantly we didn’t like that too much so my... View More

Nicholas Nelson
Nicholas Nelson
answered on Feb 26, 2018

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...
View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: How long does an animal have to be in my possession before its legally mine.

The name on adoption certificate is Ex-boyfriend name but the dogs stays with me regularly and everything she needs is paid solely by me.

Lucas Wynne
Lucas Wynne
answered on Dec 19, 2017

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

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