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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What type of lawyer handles pet injury cases? My pet was injured at a pet rehab. Underwater treadmill.
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 18, 2023

This is a tough question because very few injuries or deaths to pets result in monetary damages that exceed small claims jurisdiction. Even if it did go over $10,000, it's doubtful an attorney would be able to take the case because it would cost prohibitive.

If you can prove rehab...
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4 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What type of lawyer handles pet injury cases? My pet was injured at a pet rehab. Underwater treadmill.
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

In California, when dealing with a pet injury case, you have a couple of options for the type of lawyer to consult. One option is to seek out an attorney who specializes in animal law, as they are well-versed in legal matters related to pets and animals. Another option is to consider a personal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: So my friend asked me to watch the dog because she can’t take care of her not more and once she get the money back

The dog was covered in tics and flees and was all bone and skinny and would flinch every time I raised my hand in Fresno ca can I legally keep the dog and get her tags and register her

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Aug 15, 2023

No, you don't get to be judge and jury over whether your friend is a good dog owner. Feel free to notify Animal Control. If Animal Control decides to remove the dog from the friend's home, you are free to try to legally adopit it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for California on
Q: someone stole my dog , the DA pressed charged because i took my dog back

went out to celebrate mothers day, came home, my dog was missing, after 3 hours of searching i found the person who had my dog, i asked, pleaded , begged for my dog back and he refused, i finally got fed up and told him "you either give me the dog back or im taking it" he told me i wasnt... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

In this situation, it appears that you may have been charged with theft for taking your own dog back. It's important to consult with an attorney experienced in criminal defense to review the specific details of your case and determine the appropriate legal course of action. If you were charged... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Can animal shelter refuse to give me my kittens if police said it was temporary until I get released?

It's only been one day, and they are refusing to give me back my 4 month old kittens. I was arrested and police told me I can just go pick them up . But they are trying to charge alit of money said if I can't pay it in full they will adopt them out

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

Under California law, if the police advised that the animal shelter would hold your kittens temporarily until your release, the shelter should return the kittens to you once you are released. The shelter cannot charge excessive fees or put undue financial burdens on you to reclaim your pets. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can I get my phone back from the police station if I was arrested with it on my person?

I was arrested and booked into Jail with my phone on me. I was told I am being investigated for animal cruelty and the lead investigator took my phone. I called the investigator 3 weeks after I was released on bail and they told me they would return my phone if I offered them permission to look... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

Under California law, if your phone was lawfully seized as part of the arrest, the police may retain it as evidence during their investigation. You have the right to refuse permission to search your phone without a warrant. If the police proceed with a search without your consent, they must obtain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Is is legal for animal control to keep my dog for however long they want and maybe or maybe not charge my husband?

My dog was impounded by Sacramento CA animal control because of a video my neighbor took of my husband in our backyard yelling/allegedly throwing "something" at the dog (the video is through the fence nothing but shapes and voices can be heard/seen). We had our hearing with animal control... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

Animal control can impound a dog if they have reasonable cause to believe there was mistreatment or cruelty to the animal. However, they should follow established procedures and timeframes for investigations and notify you of the charges and status of your dog promptly. It is advisable to request... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: If I breed my female dog without a breeding contract, do I owe the male dogs owner money?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2023

Breeding a female dog without a breeding contract can lead to complexities regarding ownership and financial obligations. It's important to discuss and come to a mutual understanding with the male dog's owner regarding any potential financial arrangements, such as stud fees. To avoid... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can the manager of an RV Park/Campground tell a leased resident they cant house a snake inside their personal trailer?

Resident in good standing has been at this Park, located in the unincorporated area of the City of Lakeport, County of Lake, California, for 13 consecutive months and has a dog, a cat, a hamster and a small snake (less than a foot long).

Does the park manager have the authority to demand... View More

Yelena Gurevich
Yelena Gurevich
answered on Jun 23, 2023

If the lease doesn't have restrictions and there are no city local codes that allow the management to limit amount of pets, then the management cannot likely restrict you owning it. But there are a lot of ifs involved and your best bet is to consult with a landlord/tenant attorney or legal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What can I do to get my animal release from impoundment when I have no money to do so in San Jose?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 9, 2023

If you can't afford to pay the impoundment fees to release your animal in San Jose, consider these options:

Contact local animal welfare organizations for potential financial assistance.

Seek help from friends or family who may be able to cover the fees temporarily....
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Family dog dies.Couple is going thru divorce. She choice cremation, he flips and wants to bury in spite.

Such a long story. It’s like a sad custody situation. Mom did everything for dog, father pretty much only provided. Mom didn’t consider at the time Fathers feelings on what should be done. She informed him and he goes nuts and wants to bury the animal in spite. Mom tries to explain with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear about your family's dog. It's always difficult to lose a pet, and it's even more difficult when a couple is going through a divorce.

In this situation, it sounds like the mom and dad have different ideas about what to do with the dog's remains....
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for California on
Q: HOA decided to open dog park in close proximity(less then 50 feet) to my unit. Do I have any legal base to remove park?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2023

When it comes to a Homeowners Association (HOA) and the decisions they make regarding common areas, it is essential to review the governing documents, such as the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), bylaws, and any applicable rules and regulations. These documents typically outline... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can you bring a emotional support animal into the usa on a tourist visa?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 29, 2023

While ESAs can provide valuable support, they are not afforded the same legal protections as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, it may be challenging to bring an ESA into the USA solely on a tourist visa. It is advisable to consult with the relevant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: if my ex husband bought me a puppy can he just take it away from me and sell it to someone else just because he’s mad?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

Generally, if your ex-husband bought the puppy and legally owns it, he may have certain rights regarding its possession and disposition. However, it is important to consider any relevant legal factors that may impact the situation, such as the existence of a divorce decree or custody agreement that... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can a landlord evict us over animals that're in the process of being emotional support animals but aren't registered yet

My wife was almost killed by a police K9 a year and a half ago while working for the sheriff's office. Her psychologist was suggesting she get some cats as a support animal because my wife is an animal lover, but now has a rightful fear and mistrust of dogs. Our apartment doesn't allow... View More

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on May 12, 2023

You are in a difficult position. First, your lease is a contract. There did not have to be a specific discussion at the signing about pets if the lease says they are not allowed. Again, regarding that you "figured" small pets were fine: if the lease says no, you don't get to make... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can a landlord evict us over animals that're in the process of being emotional support animals but aren't registered yet

My wife was almost killed by a police K9 a year and a half ago while working for the sheriff's office. Her psychologist was suggesting she get some cats as a support animal because my wife is an animal lover, but now has a rightful fear and mistrust of dogs. Our apartment doesn't allow... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

In California, the rights of individuals with disabilities and their emotional support animals are protected under state and federal laws.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Emotional support animals provide comfort and support to individuals with disabilities, and they are not required to...
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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can a landlord evict us over animals that're in the process of being emotional support animals but aren't registered yet

My wife was almost killed by a police K9 a year and a half ago while working for the sheriff's office. Her psychologist was suggesting she get some cats as a support animal because my wife is an animal lover, but now has a rightful fear and mistrust of dogs. Our apartment doesn't allow... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2023

California law provides important protections for tenants with disabilities who require emotional support animals (ESAs). While these laws can be complex, in most cases, landlords are required to make "reasonable accommodations" for tenants with disabilities, even if the landlord... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I legally adopted a dog from a shelter in California that has not been spayed yet. Without any records, can she be clamd

This person claims to be their owner. They have no pictures or documentation. This dog was found on a highway. It is a puppy. The dog has been in a shelter for approximately 10 days. This person has not even come into the shelter to view the dog, nor are they going to come into the shelter for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 11, 2023

Based on the information provided, it appears that you have legally adopted the dog from the shelter, and the person claiming ownership has no pictures or documentation to support their claim. Additionally, the dog was found on a highway and has been in the shelter for a considerable amount of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I legally adopted a dog from a shelter in California that has not been spayed yet. Without any records, can she be clamd

This person claims to be their owner. They have no pictures or documentation. This dog was found on a highway. It is a puppy. The dog has been in a shelter for approximately 10 days. This person has not even come into the shelter to view the dog, nor are they going to come into the shelter for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 11, 2023

In California, once you have completed the adoption process and legally adopted the dog, you generally have the rights of ownership, including the right to possess and care for the dog. The fact that the person claiming ownership has no pictures or documentation, and has not come to view or collect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Can attorney help me Sue the US postal Service for hitting my chihuahua and not stopping my dog needed amputation

This was a hit and run I've contacted the postal service and inform them of the incident I've gone to the direct postal Service and left a message handwritten note to inform them that I need to find out who the driver was between 3:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday March 21st on American and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2023

Yes, an attorney can help you pursue legal action against the US Postal Service for hitting your chihuahua and not stopping, which resulted in the need for amputation.

To pursue legal action against the Postal Service, you will need to file a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)....
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