Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Hi my name is Jackie & I live in Rockville MD.

Background:

A neighbor had a family staying at their house because the family had recently lost their home. They had 6 dogs without collars or any education. We asked if they were giving or selling the dogs. At first they said no but later on we received a call from our neighbor saying that the family was giving them away. That night they gave us 2 dogs. We only wanted one but they gave it to us anyways (basically threw the dogs on our door step and left). We asked for their documents but they never responded. We figured they the dogs were illegal since they acted wild and had no collar or ID. Later the families 3 sons came to plea us to give the dogs back. We were hesitant because the dog was getting used to us but we gave it back. The other we told them we could not give back because another family had adopted it and had registered it as her own pet.

Ever since then they (3 sons) keep coming back hassling us and our neighbors threaten us.

*Family never openly and thoroughly talked with us*

*There was never ANY documents*

*Dogs were disturbing the street"

*In Rockville its illegal not to have a dog on leash or without a collar and ID*

Problem:

The family is threatening us to go to court. Is there anything we should be worried about?

They keep sending the 3 sons to our house after we repeatedly told them we can�t help.

Is there anything legal that can help us legally?


Asked on 11/23/10, 5:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

I think you question is whether the family has a case against you for not giving back the one dog. The worst your neighbor can do is take you to small claims court. Let them -- they gave you a dog as a gift. You were free to do with that gift whatever you chose. You decided to give it to another family. That was your right. There does not need to be a contract (written or oral) between the parties since this was gift. A judge will not award the sons damages for loss of the dog.

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 11/29/10, 7:07 am


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