Question
My neighbor has two dogs and one cat. The dogs have obviously been outside for a long time. They have bruises, signs of abuse, and are extremely dirty. The cat was too shy to get a good look at it. Do I have the legal right to take the dogs (who are friendly; both let me touch them), feed them and patch them up, then send them to a shelter? Maybe I will keep them?
Illinois, USA
Answer
People who suspect that animals are being mistreated should contact animal control, the police, local humane societies and SPCAs (societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals), and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
There are provisions in the law for mistreated animals to be forfeited. Also, sometimes the person under investigation for animal abuse/neglect will voluntarily surrender their animals.
Some people will agree to give away or sell their animals (if the price offered works for them). This is sometimes the most expedient way to get animals out of a bad situation, particularly if law enforcement officers do not take action.
Taking another person’s animals without consent could result in theft charges.
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