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.


Asked on 6/24/08, 5:36 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

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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Answered on 6/25/08, 12:43 pm
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

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.

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Answered on 6/25/08, 2:31 pm
Benjamin Berger Berger-Harrison, A Professional Corporation

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.

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Answered on 6/24/08, 5:56 pm
Stanley Moerbeek The Law Offices of Stanley L Moerbeek

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.

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Answered on 6/24/08, 6:01 pm
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Stolen Pet

Conversion. You need to file suit seeking a court order.

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Answered on 6/28/08, 5:17 pm


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