Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
Dog being held hostage
I was going through a divorce 2 years
ago and had to move. The condo I
moved into didn't allow pets. I asked
my friend to hold my large dog for
me until I can get on my feet. I am
now able to get my dog and now
they are saying that they have
grown attached to my dog and want
$3k in vet bills reimbursed before I
can have him and are willing to go to
small claims courts. There was
nothing discussed or in writing
regarding reimbursement of money
when I gave him to them. Can I just
have my dog back?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Dog being held hostage
Let me get this straight: a friend keeps your dog for you, takes care of him including medical treatment, and you want to stiff your friend for the vet bill?? You must be kidding.
Pets are personal property under the law. If your friend agreed to keep your property, she was under a duty to keep it safe. If the dog incurred $3K worth of vet bills, it must have been very sick or injured, and your friend was legally right to take the dog to the vet. If your friend had not taken your dog to the vet and it died or suffered long-term disability, you could sue her for the value of your lost personal property - and you probably would from the sound of it.
Your friend has every right to be reimbursed for the 3K worth of vet bills, and your friend can retain your property (keep your dog) until you reimburse her.
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