I took in my dog from my partner's ex-girlfriend, who had her from when she was a tiny puppy. She eventually handed her over to my partner.
When I first came into her life, the dog was being kept in a cupboard (about 3ft by 2.5ft) in the dark. She was skin and bone and very wary. She could only go to the toilet on the flat's balcony, and I could see she wasn't comfortable doing it there.
I've invested so much in this dog; even before I was with my partner, I used to take her out. The first time I took her out to do her business, her poo was full of worms...
She was 3 years old and had never been microchipped or vaccinated. My partner's ex left and left her with him. I bought her some good quality dry food, took her out all the time, and she got back into shape and learned to trust people again, but she’s always been very scared of my partner.
I insisted my partner take her to the vet for her vaccinations, microchipping, and worming treatment, and I paid the bills. But here's the thing – I made a massive mistake and let him put her in his name...
Now I'm in the middle of splitting up with my partner. If I wasn't there, he’d be capable of forgetting to give her food and water for several days in a row, or choosing to go out with his mates instead of taking her for a walk.
Does anyone have a solution so I can get the microchip put in my name? He knows perfectly well how much this dog means to me and he won't hesitate to use that to mess me about...
Thanks in advance.
Translated from French
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I hear what you’re saying, but I have never neglected an animal; this is a completely different case. His ex dumped the dog on him because she realised that having a dog is a lot of work. If he loved this dog, he wouldn't forget to feed her, and he’d never have stood for that kind of treatment—you don't lock an animal in the dark without letting them go to the toilet.
Hi there,
As for him forgetting to give her water, is it possible he was just relying on you to do it?
Regarding him turning a blind eye to what his ex was doing, maybe he did try to talk to her? Or maybe he just thought, "I’m too thick to understand what’s going on," so he didn't get involved? (Yes, it’s a bit of a stretch, but you know how some people are...).
Anyway, look at it this way: you chose to stay with a man who, by your own account, condoned some pretty vile behaviour towards this pup.
People, honestly...
Right, if I were in your shoes and I could (if I had his keys, for example), I think I’d just go and get the dog. Then I’d wait and see what happens... You never know, he might not even ask for her back. In that case, if you have proof (like taking daily photos to show she is with you and evidence that he hasn't asked for her), after a while, she might be legally considered adoptable? You’d have to look into the specifics.
Worst case scenario, he reports it to the police quickly, but I highly doubt you’d go to prison for it. Especially since you could always say, "He asked me to look after her" (as long as there are no texts from him demanding her back in the meantime).
And if he does ask for her back quickly without involving the authorities, ask him if he’d be willing to sell her to you, as suggested earlier. Tell him that if you do return her, he’ll be under close supervision and you won't let him neglect her. That might make him think twice...
LOL Misanthrope
Mind you, it’s a genuine question.
I suppose you could report them for forgery or something along those lines?
In Zazou’s case, with a bit of luck the bloke doesn’t even have the dog anymore. Since he clearly doesn’t give a toss, we can only hope he won't look into it any further and the poor girl can live out her days happily with an owner who actually loves her.
I hear what you're saying, but I’ve never neglected an animal—this situation is completely different. His ex cowardly dumped the dog on him because she realised that having a dog is a massive tie. If he loved this dog, he wouldn’t forget to feed her, and he would never have put up with this kind of treatment. You don't lock an animal in the dark without letting them out to go to the toilet.
Misanthrope, that’s all well and good, but let’s say the shoe was on the other foot – what do we do then?
Imagine the dog is registered in your name, you split up, and your ex pulls a real dirty trick... they steal your dog and go through the whole rigmarole to get it into their name, forging your signature and everything.
What are you meant to do in a case like that?
Keep it simple! Since he couldn't care less about the dog, just get hold of the microchip registration paperwork and fill in the 'change of ownership and address' section. Sign it for him, send it off and job done – you'll get the new registration card in your name!
Unfortunately, the microchip is in your boyfriend's name, which makes him the legal owner. Only he can sort out the transfer with the microchip database using the registration papers. If you just take the dog, he could report you to the police.
You’ll have to be a bit tactical with him—maybe point out all the hard work and downsides of having a dog. You could even offer to buy the dog off him. You need to get the original registration certificate; he has to fill out the transfer section and send it off (or you can do it for him to be safe), but he definitely has to sign it. Everything is explained on the document or the database's website (you'll usually need to provide ID and proof of address).
Another option is to prove the dog is being mistreated using photos, messages, etc., as evidence. You could then talk to a local rescue or the RSPCA and tell them you're ready to take the dog in permanently.
In Switzerland, you can't change the name on the microchip without the current owner's permission. I’d imagine it’s the same over here in the UK... So, try having a word with him; hopefully, he'll be reasonable and agree to change the name on the chip.
