When my ex and I were together we bought a dog together. The microchip is in my name but the pet insurance and council registration are all in his name. I don’t know if I have many rights because sure the dog is legally in my name (microchip is anyway) but the pet insurance is in his name and being paid for by him, the dog is registered with the local council under his name, he’s been financially responsible for the dog since we bought her home, the dog has been living at his house since day one. One police officer told me that if he can prove that he’s been the financial caregiver for the animal then despite the fact that the dog is in my name there’s not much that I can do because if he has proof that shows that he’s been paying for this dog since day dot it’s very hard to prove that I didn’t abandon the dog in the eyes of the law because even though the dog is in my name it doesn’t mean it’s mine because the example he gave me was that if someone who owns a dog moves out of a house and leaves the dog in the backyard it’s still legally their dog but they’re not responsible for it in any way shape or form. A second police officer said to me that it’s a grey area because even though the dog is in my name my ex has been the one who’s been providing for the animal in the form of vet bills, pet insurance, food, shelter, love and care ect.
What can I do? Is there anything that I can do without incurring massive legal fees? I’d appreciate answers only by people from Australia
Answers & Comments
I’m so sorry. That is such a bad situation.
When my older sister moved out she left her Labrador with me and my Mom. A year later I was 18, and my Mom decided to move 3 states away. I chose not to, and continued living in he told trailer with the dog. I watched and cared for that dog for 6 years. 3 while my sis was at home, 1 with Mom and 2 by myself. But the day came when sis got a place where she could have the dog and wanted it back. I didn’t hesitate to give my baby back to her, because she owns the dog. It belonged with her. But it is the single hardest thing I ever did in my life. I will always regret it.
I guess what I’m saying is, coming from your boyfriends perspective he lives that dog, and ha seven caring for it. If you ever loved him, let him keep it. Because it will break his heart to give it away. If you ever cared for him, then don’t fight.
try to find a good lawyer in your location where you live at and bring your ex to the court and maybe the judge can dedicate what to do next. that what most pets owners does .
Ok ok yeah then ok
Hopefully, the dog runs away and neither one of you get to have it?
As much as I would like to side with you, law overrules opinion. If you offer to pay for the dog, you might have a chance at legal ownership.
She’s better off with him
You didn't take the dog when you moved out.
That classes as abandoning the dog.
He has been financially caring for the dog in all ways.
You have relinquished all rights.
Many people forget to update microchip details, does not prove ownership if he has registered and insured the dog as well as providing shelter and food.
With more in his name than yours, so legally it's highly likely he'll be able to keep the dog.
Call it a wash, get yourself another adopted dog and keep EVERYTHING in your name.
I don't think you have a leg to stand on even if you took him to court.
This happens all the time. Some exactly like you. No, police cannot help you. Anything animal goes through Animal Control. Call them & see what they suggest.
Like 16 yr old kid gets a dog, two yrs later kid leaves home. Does kid take dog with or does kid abandon dog on parents.
If the dog has always live with the ex, that is where the dog should stay.
Dog is living with your ex, and ex has been providing financial care. Dog belongs to your ex.
Lesson learned the hard way. NEVER get a pet "together" if you aren't married. A pet belongs to one or the other, not both. Had you been married, ownership of the dog could be disputed thru divorce court.
You no longer own the dog. It doesn't matter what the microchip says, when your ex has plenty of other evidence that the dog is his.