Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Stolen Pet
Someone who was petsitting has now refused to return a championship dog. This dog needs to be returned to its owner without force and retribution.
I don't know what area of the law this falls under. Please advise.
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Stolen Pet
I'm not sure what you mean by "force & retribution", but call the police. I assume, if the dog is a champion, you have some means of proving ownership - such as AKC registration, etc... Call the police and file a theft report.
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Re: Stolen Pet
Knowing San Diego police, they probably will not get involved. You have a cause of action for conversion for theft of the dog and punitive damages. Contact me directly.
Re: Stolen Pet
Call the police. They will probably try to tell you it is a civil dispute. Don't accept that answer. Tell them this is a crime. Personal property was left in the care of a person who has now refused to return it.
Be prepared to refute allegations that the dog was abandoned or that a gift was made.
Re: Stolen Pet
If the police don't work, and they probably won't, this is a civil case, probably requiring a prejudgment application for a writ of possession to obtain the animal. If it's a valuable dog the judge may require that you post a bond during the litigation.
Re: Stolen Pet
Conversion. You need to file suit seeking a court order.