Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Question of Dog Ownership and Loss

My husb and I were given a rescue dog by a private owner. She willingly handed the dog over to us. She sent us emails telling us we were ''made to order'' indicating she was delighted the dog was with us. After a few days, she brought up a fee, which had not been discussed before, and cited costs while the dog was in her care such as neutering and destruction of $10K worth of her furniture. We said we would not pay any costs as none were discussed when we took the dog. She became angry and contacted the police and said we stole the dog. She threatened to file criminal charges against us. She also used her job at the Att'y General's office in NY to pull strings and get a seizure order from the local prosecutor (which was never enforced because the police believed we were the rightful owners) regarding this personal issue. She flashed her badge and her status at the police, but luckily they sided with us based on her e mails to us regarding the dog.

Against our will, we had to return the dog to her last night as she was going to have a criminal hearing against us. If for some odd reason we were found guilty, we would have criminal records and might even have been arrested, so we were forced to give the dog back to her.


Asked on 8/27/06, 12:33 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Question of Dog Ownership and Loss

This woman sounds like an insane predator. You could file an ethics complaint against her with

her employer, but the better course is to forget about her.

You should save all emails between you and her

just in case she is not finished with you.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 8/27/06, 7:22 am
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: Question of Dog Ownership and Loss

You never really asked a question, but it doesn't seem like the criminal charges are going anywhere. If she does file the charges against you, I suggest you get a good lawyer as this may have a lot of civil implications. My consultations are always free, so call me at 732/247/3340 and we can discuss the case.

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Answered on 8/27/06, 12:46 pm


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