Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Minnesota

How long before it's abandoned property

My question is about pets that have been left behind. How long before they are concidered abandoned and I can keep them? I have had these pets for over a year now. I have retrained them (one was a biter!!!) and have bonded with them. They were left at my home by the person I thought was the owner. Three months later another person claiming that they are hers says she wants them back. She knew that the animals were here for over six months and knew that the owner had moved out leaving them. Prior to claiming them as hers she had requested to visit them but never said anything about wanting them at that time. Now she is taking me to small claims court. I am filing a counter claim which is almost the same $$ as hers for care, upkeep, lost wages, court costs...

I have grown very attached to these furballs and want to keep them as the''owner'' said I could. I can prove that the ''owner'' paid for them. could she win and get the fur balls from me?


Asked on 12/29/04, 2:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Kelly-952-544-6356 Kelly Law Office

Re: How long before it's abandoned property

Take a look at Minnesota Statues Sec. 346.36 (ten days for a pet at a Vets office) and Sec. 504B.271 (60 days for stuff left by tenant after moving out).

Both statutes require written notice before disposing of the animal or property. I doubt that either controls your situtation, but they might have some moral persuasion value.

Good luck.

P.S.

You can find the text of those statutes by running a Google search. It will take you right to the state web site.

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Answered on 12/29/04, 12:41 pm


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