Legal Question in Personal Injury in Missouri

Police locked my dog in car for 12 hrs!

My fiance was pulled over last night and eventually arrested for ''questioning''-no warrant, crim. record, etc. They never wrote a traffic ticket or warning. When my fiance asked if he could call me to come get MY car, they said no and assured it would be quick. The officer locked up my car right on the side of the road (w/ a park. lot 10' ahead). Not such a big deal except one of our dogs was in the car! My fiance asked several more times to call me so I could at least get the dog out and was told that ''she would be alright in there'' This happened around 11pm. My fiance was finally released at 10am the next morning. He was in questioning the entire time, not allowed a phone call, and the officer wouldn't even call me himself. To top it all off, he had to walk several miles back to the vehicle. When we got our dog home, she was so thirsty and had to ''potty'' like a race-horse. She seems to be doing better as the day goes on, but she seems depressed or scared, like we locked her in there on purpose. Is that legal-We live in a small town in sw missouri. Thanks for any input


Asked on 7/30/07, 8:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Police locked my dog in car for 12 hrs!

This likely constitutes animal cruelty since the dog had no water. Depending on the size of the police force (i.e., depending on how big the town) you should consider filing a complaint with internal affairs. If the town is not big enough to have an IA division, then you need to file a complaint with Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) in Jefferson City.

You should also document the events by contacting your local Humane Society and having them file a complaint as well.

Finally, to protect yourself, contact the local newspaper and let them know what was done to your dog.

Good luck.

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Answered on 7/31/07, 9:35 am
Adam Graves Bruer & Wooddell, P.C.

Re: Police locked my dog in car for 12 hrs!

Sorry to hear of your problems. It sounds like one of your main issues may be that this officer wasn't aware of your fiance's constitutional rights. I would like to know more about why he was stopped in the first place and what the reason was for holding him overnight? And did he never request a lawyer?

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Answered on 7/31/07, 10:45 am


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