Question
My ex was watching our puppy when I was told she ran away. I then come to find out the owner of where my ex lives took the puppy and dumped her across town. He told me that he had called animal control. They went down there, and nothing was found on the 18th of the month. I was in the area, so I went in and asked to look and there she was! Unfortunately, the amount to get her out was 277.00 and I don’t have that kind of money. Animal control wouldn’t work with me. This was on the 20th of the same month. Now I found her at a rescue center with the price of 459. I can’t get her out, I want my puppy back please help me.
Answer
I am sorry to hear about this dog’s ordeal. Impound fees are commonly charged, although the amount charged is often regulated. I cannot say whether the amount you are being charged is the correct amount in your municipality. To better ensure that an animal will be returned, people should consider paying the impound fees being charged, if possible, and then try to recoup any overpayment after the animal is home. Family, friends. and others sometimes help to raise money in these situations. People who do not retrieve their animals from a shelter in a timely manner (including paying impound fees) may lose rights to their animals — so time is of the essence!
People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned but the cost of suing would likely exceed the impound fees and by the time the case is decided, the animal may no longer be at the shelter. After an animal is rehomed, it is difficult to get the animal returned.
Complaints about shelters can be made to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and the state’s Attorney General.
Also, it is illegal to abandon an animal. People who believe that an animal was abandoned should contact the police, local humane societies, SPCA (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals), and other entities in their area that enforce animal protection laws.
I hope this situation works out well for the puppy!
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