Accused of dog theft - URGENT HELP NEEDED

[Durzel]

cmaguire said:

If somebody stole our dog I doubt it would take me 11 months to notice that the dog appeared to be living with a relative.

The moment you offer them money to make them go away is the moment it may be argued that you effectively show that the dog is still theirs.

+1

[MYOB]

DomesticM said:

MYOB said:

And who is listed as the owner on the microchip?

They are.

They being who?

[InitialDave]

I'd be cutting your Mum out of the conversation, and having that conversation with them in person, without (in)convenient records of things you couldn't possibly of said to them about the matter coming up later.

My response to Facebook messages etc would be along the lines of "as we already agreed, Rory is now our dog, as he's happier/healthier living here than before you gave him to us".

Not sure what to do about the microchip. They're not really intended to be removable. Could your family friend vet take a look for you? They might not be nominally practicing any longer, but telling them you don't think anything can be done should get them nicely wound up.

[Shuvi McTupya]

MYOB said:

They being who?

Who do you think he might be talking about?

[TooMany2cvs]

InitialDave said:

Not sure what to do about the microchip. They're not really intended to be removable. Could your family friend vet take a look for you?

Any vet can scan the chip and look up who's listed on one of the ownership registers (the gov't recognise 11 different ones when it comes to the legal requirement to chip dogs), and that registration isn't hard to change.

[Alfa numeric]

Is it worth ringing the RSPCA for advice? Describe the state of the dog when you received it,tell them that they're asking for it back and tell them that you're worried that it will be mistreated again. They may be able to help.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Police will not be interested in any criminal investigation - once they look into the initial "my dog has been stolen" claim and see it becoming a case of "he said, she said" they will say that it is a civil matter and the dog's previous abusers owners will need to take you to court.

They wont take you to court as it will cost them money - no legal aid for that sort of thing.

The question is would they take any physical action against you, your mum, your property - or even try to steal the dog back?

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

PAULJ5555 said:

Do you have a vets report from the time you took the dog. Might be useful.

I thought this too whilst out at work. In the unfortunate absence of photo evidence evidence from a vet to his previous state will reflect very badly on them. On the flip-side I guess the RSPCA could see statements from friends/family as spurious, because 'taking sides'.

[anniesdad]

MikeStroud said:

I would call their bluff. Let them take legal action, I doubt they will spend money on legal action when they could spend their money on fags or whatever their vice is.

Whether you manage to keep the dog or not sadly it'll be easy for them to get another ...

Good luck and well done for looking after it.

This. Take your chances in court....in the highly unlikely event that it gets that far.

Please protect the dog at all costs.

[Pica-Pica]

djc206 said:

Council scum will be council scum. Offer them a few hundred quid for the dog and make sure they sign a receipt for the money as stated above. Keep a copy of any message exchange about purchasing the dog as well. The dog cannot go back to them. It’s a ridiculous situation and I feel for you OP.

There are plenty of scum who are not ‘council’ as you put it.

[Pica-Pica]

Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:

PAULJ5555 said:

Do you have a vets report from the time you took the dog. Might be useful.

I thought this too whilst out at work. In the unfortunate absence of photo evidence evidence from a vet to his previous state will reflect very badly on them. On the flip-side I guess the RSPCA could see statements from friends/family as spurious, because 'taking sides'.

If the dog looked maltreated when taken to the vet, I certainly think they would have a record of the incoming condition.

[InitialDave]

TooMany2cvs said:

Any vet can scan the chip and look up who's listed on one of the ownership registers (the gov't recognise 11 different ones when it comes to the legal requirement to chip dogs), and that registration isn't hard to change.

Their vet friend probably doesn't have access to that if they're no longer practicing, and I'm not sure how anyone would feel about amending the register, or how traceable them doing so would be.

[ghost83]

What dog?

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

anniesdad said:

Please protect the dog at all costs.

This, so this. He is the innocent party, and the one who needs you right now. Anyone who abuses animals deserves a SERIOUS kicking IMO

And very well done for the care you've given him so far. Have a virtual pint from a fellow dog lover.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

Sorry for the double post. If you don't know her, BEXVN (veterinary nurse) on here may be in a good position to offer advice around how a vets could substantiate the dogs earlier condition. Your Uncle and Aunt are bullies, bullies hate valid threats back.

[alabbasi]

A vets office is like a doctors office. They will have records of everything that was observed and all treatment given. You can request the dogs records and they will fax / email to you just like they would if you found another vet and they had to get the records.

[moorx]

If you did want specialist legal advice:

http://www.doglaw.co.uk/

http://www.doglaw.co.uk/ownership-custody-disputes...

Good luck.

[James_B]

superlightr said:

Its difficult and upsetting Im sure but its not your dog.
Give it back. The police could be called as its theft.

How are you working out ownership of the dog?

I’d say they’ve earned it, and suggest that the relatives take them to court if they believe otherwise.

Get it chipped, keep, the vaccination papers, and show a sheaf of vets bills if questioned.

The law is not clear until a court rules, the morality is clear and is on the OP’s side.

[Ruskie]

Just pay them. Saves any hassle and ensures the dog is in the right home.

[rallycross]

How much do people get paid for going on the Jeremy Kyle show? Maybe you should enter their details for an appearance, they get the cash but only if you get to keep Fido the dog.