Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

My dog was impounded by San Jose Animal Control for mistaken identity. They kept him because he wasn't in compliance for being deemed a vicious dog for a prior incident. I was told to get him in compliance by 4/20/13 or he would be destroyed. I did everything they asked and he was declared to be in compliance in time. I paid all the necessary fees and he was to be delivered to a dog trainer today 4/23/13.

I just got a call from Animal Control saying they had bad news. Apparently I have some unpaid citations for my dog being out of compliance. The City Attorney and the Director of Animal Control were putting a stop to my dog being released because of the unpaid citations. I have not received anything from the city, have not been served, no phone calls or anything about these citations. I am willing to pay them but cant pay them in full at this time. If fact, I would like to challenge the validity of these citations in court. I paid Animal Control over 600$ to have my dog released and have a document stating once the fees had been paid and my dog was declared in compliance, my dog would be released. No I fear I will not get my dog back and he will be destroyed. This seems totally unfair and I don't see how they can justify keeping him. Can you please give me some advice as to what I can do to get my dog back.

Thanks,

Jason


Asked on 4/22/13, 2:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kristine Karila Law Office of Kristine S. Karila

Act now to pay the fines to save your dog! You can try to fight them later. Borrow the money from someone if you don't have it or arrange for some type of a payment plan if you can. Get a prepayment of your wages at your job. Now is not the time to argue about the citations. Just get them paid - your dog's life depends on it! If you don't have a job, go door to door and ask if you can mow lawns, clean windows, etc. to earn money to save your dog's life.

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Answered on 4/22/13, 2:46 pm


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