In January 07 i took in a german shepard that someone know longer had time to look after due to family life, job etc.. I was told she had papers, had her vaccinations and was microchipped. After bringing her home i contacted them regarding her papers as they never handed them over, any way about 3-4 weeks ago they sent someone round asking if they could have the her back and of cause we said no and got threaten with the police for stealing her. I have spoken to the vets where she was mean't to of been registered, chipped etc.. and they have no record. Can i get into trouble for stealing her even though i did not such thing and there are text messages regarding the dog coming to me. Does any one have any advice really need it. URGENTLY
Answers:
First of all, you need to contact the police yourself and let them know the situation and that the people that had owned the dog first are harassing you. They can help you out.
From what I read, they GAVE the dog to you because they could no longer care for it themselves. Therefore, the dog is yours.
If you have text messages regarding this dog then you have evidence you were given it and did not steal it. It is always a good idea to secure the papers of a GSD when you get one but in your case that is not helpful.
You could contact a solicitor to see where you stand legally (half an hour won't cost you anything) and make sure you keep an eye on your GSD so the original owner does not try to steal her back.
Do you know why the original owner wants her back? Do they plan to breed from her? See a solicitor as soon as you can.
I am sure you hate the idea of losing your pet. But think of what could happen, accused of stealing, sued, lying to authorities even if you aren't could be a mess. Best give it up and next time insist on papers or any other proof before taking the animal. We have 2 dogs 2 siamese cats and they are our family that came with proof of who they now belong to. Good luck.
If the actual owner of the dog was the one that gave her to you, then you should stand by the text messages, but if it wasnt the owner on her said papers, then you might have to give her back.
Does she have a microchip? if she does, check to see under whose name it is under. Usually it is under the breeders name until the new owner changes it. If they didnt give you her papers, they were probably up to no good. They just probably found a dog to breed with that one and now want her back. Probably they wont pursue it, lets hope they don't. Believe it or not, you most probably will need a lawyer.
If you have text messages, they are easily traceable to the FORMER owner of the dog. so, if the police do come and try to arrest you for taking the dog, give them your cell phone and show them the messages---they CAN trace the calls made to your phone and that would prove that the dog belonged to you now UNLESS, the former owner used someone ELSE's cell phone every single time they text messaged you..problem is, they could steal the dog from YOU one day and then you'd have no proof that the dog was now YOURS... unless you licensed it and had taken it to a vets for shots and there was a record, etc. If there is no record anywhere of this dog having shots from the previous owner, the owner should NEVER have had the dog in the first place.. BUT, you could go and get all her shots and any records would therefore be in YOUR name.if the former owner would be so irresponsible NOT to get the dog it's shots and LIED to you about taking it to a vet- - and there WOULD be records if they DID take it-----then they don't deserve ANY dog...
i would say contact the police, mention the harrassment, and explain what is going on. they should be able to give you some insight on the situation.
by you going to the police first, i'm thinking you would look like you are trying to solve the problem, and not so guilty as someone who stole the dog.
if they really want the dog back, and you have no financial investment in the dog, to avoid the drama, i would return it, if it comes to that.
also, you could take the dog to the vet, and see if it has a microchip that would identify if that individual is the dog's owner. they have microchip readers at most vet clinics
The text messages should be helpful. I recommend making an appointment with your local law enforcement. Tell them the situation, give them any information you have, including the text messages. By contacting them first, you should be able to avoid trouble, or they can give you tips on what to do. If they gave you the vet information via text message, and you have the vet give written confirmation of no knowledge, you may have a chance. Good luck.
how long has the dog been in your care ,and when you were at that vet why didnt they read the chip to see who the chip was registered to and that visit should have a record of you being there if you had the dog with you ,was the dog in good health when you got it,and has it had a check up ,where r your records /you need a paper trail and those text mess.are part of that trail too ,go to police make conplaint ,get copy of that report ,and they always could steal the dog back but if you would take all your files /records ,and take them to court first ,and hopefully you win ,then they could be charged with stealing or harassment ,get a lawyer,get the paper work so you r protected from wrong doing ,good luck
Call the police.Show them the text messages and inform them you plan to take legal action to keep the dog.Make certain they fill out a report on the matter.tell them you want a copy of it for the lawyer.
Make an appointment with an attorney.Alot of them will give free consultations.It may cost you a fee dollars but maybe he can give these people a call and threaten them with a lawsuit over this and they'll hand over the papers.
While you're waiting to see the attorney take the dog to a vet and have it checked for a chip.It's possible that another family member took it to the vet and they looked under the wrong name when you called.If there's no chip then get her shots and have her micro-chipped.Then if they should dog nap her you have that as proof of ownership at least until this gets sorted out.At the very least they'll have to re-imburse you for vet bills so you're not out anything but hurt feelings.
Do not leave the dog un-attended for the time being.
If you have to leave home for a Dr's appt. or evan to go to the store take the dog and leave it with a family member at their house.Then they can't break in and steal her while you're gone or report you for leaving her in the car unattended.
Hope it all works out for you.Good luck.
i would def phone the police myself explain the situation and show them the texts and see what they advise to do.
If you have had the dog and taken it to the vets for shots, worming, treatment etc you will have proof of this with bills and documents so also show the police this to prove u undertook full responsibility for the dog when the owner gave you the dog.
The only problem you may have is if the people who gave you the dog werent the real owners or registered owners. The police may ask the original owner or breeder if they want the dog back if it turns out that the so call owners who gave the dog to you arent the real ownwrs after all.. iykwim
Good luck X
keep the texts and get in touch with the police
My advice would be to take them to court and tell the Judge how they did'nt want the dog I bet if you threaten them with court they will think twice. I hope you get keeping the dog as you took it in when it needed you most
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