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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
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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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My son just got an cruelty to animals case that I would like to get him some representation for.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 4, 2023

I would suggest immediately contacting an attorney in your area. - James Arrasmith, Owner. The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith.

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: So my cat passed away at the vets today the vet wanted him to stay under their care until they closed but now he’s dead
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 24, 2023

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. If you have concerns about the veterinary care provided to your cat, it may be helpful to gather all relevant documents and evidence and consult with an attorney who is experienced in veterinary malpractice or animal law to discuss your options.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Libel & Slander and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can I legally file a ucc-1 lean against my wrongfully taken dogs that are being held at animal control

They offered me a hearing for approximately $70,000 for my dogs which would almost guarantee them being ethanized or being deemed dangerous animals even though they didn't do anything it was a setup if I wanted to go the other route I could spend $650 a dog to surrender them and they would not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2023

Filing a UCC-1 lien against your wrongfully taken dogs may not be a suitable legal remedy in this situation. The UCC-1 lien is typically used for securing interests in personal property in commercial transactions. To address the issue with your dogs, it is recommended to consult with an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I can't find the answer for this all I find is cat protected by laws but they keep killing the chickens Bunny hurtdog

Like for the dog small getting swomd scratches and bits he couldn't see in one eye any more and the hoes doesn't work they just come back gets worse at night and they break the wire that make up the cage is their laws that helps protect others pets from pest like this large cats some... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 12, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the troubles you and your neighbor are facing with cats causing harm to your chickens and pets. While laws regarding pet ownership and protection vary by location, there are some general steps you can take. Firstly, check your local laws and regulations related to pet... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: How long can animal control hold my dog without giving him a hearing he has been there since April 23 2023

Every ordinance says no longer than 30 days emotional

Support animal and officer who took report has been out since day after

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 11, 2023

The maximum amount of time that animal control can hold your dog without giving him a hearing is 30 days, according to the ordinances you mentioned. However, there may be extenuating circumstances that allow them to hold your dog for longer. For example, if your dog is a dangerous animal or if... 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: If my dog is impounded can I get a fee waiver or any financial assistance towards the animals release fees?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 9, 2023

If you can't afford the fees to release your impounded dog, try these options for financial assistance:

Contact the impoundment facility to inquire about fee waivers or assistance programs.

Reach out to local animal welfare organizations for potential support.

Research...
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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?
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: how do I get a vetinarian to reveal who they illegally adopted ny dog out to? I'm in civil court
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 18, 2023

Ask him under oath in a deposition. If he refuses to answer, file a motion to compel asking the court to order him to answer. If he refuses, file a motion for contempt asking the court to fine or jail him until he answers the question.

Recalcitrant witnesses rarely hold out long enough to...
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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?
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: If I am walking my dog (on a leash) and another dog (not on a leash) attacks him, can I use lethal force to stop it?

It has not happened, just wanted to see if I would get in trouble

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
answered on May 15, 2023

Lethal force against the attacking dog? You should try to avoid killing others' pets. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an attorney for formal legal advice and representation.]

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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

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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