Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York
What to do???
In late october I was having problems where I was living, where I had to let my dog live somewhere else until I got myself in a better situation. So my friend suggested that her sister would be able to let my dog tinkerbell (a tea cup yourkie) stay with her tempary until I was able to get her back. I droped her off & left with nothing in written only a verble agreement & a cell #. I would call to see how she was doing and we could never make a date to meet because of our schdules, then the cell phone # in January was cut off, I kept calling hoping it would be turned on but, nothing so about 3 weeks ago I took my daughter to see her dog, people where home. I told my daughter we will bring her home soon. It was still in the air. This is my dog. so now, I moved, I invited them to my house warming, Via, email, and over the phone, I also left a message stating that I feel it's time for her to come home. this pass saturday, I spoke to my friend who suggested the whole thing a told her I wanted Tinkerbell back and she asured me it's not a problem, but I still haven't heard directly from the people that is caring for her, I called today and someone picked up the phone and act like they couln't hear and hung up, I went over and no answer
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: What to do???
If I were in your shoes, I would try to contact them a few more times. Then I would contact the police and tell them that these people won't return your dog.
If that fails, I would recommend either hiring an attorney to write them a letter demanding the return of your dog or filing suit in small claims court.
Good luck!
Re: What to do???
I am afraid I have seen this before. They will try to claim that you "gave the dog to them." Please do not wait to send them a letter requesting the return of your pet. Send it by Certified mail Return reciept requested AND regular mail.
If you don't hear back within 5 days of reciept get to a lawyer as quickly as you can.
Good luck.