Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

I obtained a beagle off Craigslist from a lady that was giving it away for free. She brought it to me and I found out I won't be able to keep the dog. The lady told me if there were any issues with the dog to call her so I did. When I told her I could not keep the dog she sai frankly I don't want it back. Then proceeded to say well she has to approve whom ever I give the dog to. The big thing is can she really do that? Is the dog even really mine? Or does her name on the records for the rabies shots still make the dog hers?


Asked on 2/16/13, 11:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sharmil McKee McKee Law Office

Once she gave the dog to you, it's your dog. The name on the rabies shot record does not prove or establish ownership. Hopefully, when she gave you the dog, she gave you some receipt or some other document establishing that she is relinquishing ownership. However, the day the dog moved in with you, is the day you owned the dog (this is called possession). You can do what you want with it (other than abuse, train it to fight, neglect, or kill it). She does not have the right to control who you sell or give it to. If she wants that right, then tell her to come pick up the dog. If you cannot keep the dog and she does not want the dog, then you can donate it to the SPCA.

Good luck.

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Answered on 2/16/13, 2:52 pm


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