I gave away my dog, what are my legal options to get her back?

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m starting a new thread to talk about my situation.

Here’s the deal: I used to have a little Yorkie that I had to part with — much to my heartbreak — back in June 2014 because I was moving house. My mum found a former colleague of hers who was willing to take her in. I let her go for free, even though it went against my heart. I regretted it the very second I did it, but I didn't dare say anything at the time. I finally plucked up the courage two months ago and called this lady to tell her I’d made a mistake. She listened and said it was okay for me to get her back, but as she’d given the dog to her partner, she had to discuss it with him first. He wasn't having any of it, so she told me she’d try to find a solution.

I called her again a few days ago and she told me the matter is now closed and she doesn't want to hear another word about it. I’m not looking for judgement or any lectures; I’m just looking for help or some advice on how to get my dog back through legal means.

Just to be clear, I never signed any transfer of ownership papers and I still have the pet passport and the microchip registration card.

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read this and reply.

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39 answers
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  • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Especially since they could turn around and sue you for libel...
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    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    Don't say it was stolen, since that isn't the case. Whatever you do, don't lie!

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, yes, I am indeed in possession of the pet passport and the ID papers. Should I explain to the police that I gave the dog away and now I’d like him back? Or just say that he was stolen? I’m worried it’ll all blow up in my face. Please don’t judge me; my own greed is already eating me alive as it is. I even offered them some money to compensate them, but they refused. Mind you, it is your own fault! So if it does backfire on you, you should have thought twice before giving your dog away. I don’t think the police will take your report seriously if you explain the situation; the law requires the paperwork to be properly sorted out whenever a pet is rehomed or sold. And reporting someone for theft is a big deal! Those people could end up in prison and get a fine! It’s not something to be taken lightly. Legally, the dog belongs to you, but accusing someone of theft just because you didn’t follow the rules and now want to change your mind is completely out of order. I’d also add that your dog must have settled into their new life by now; I don't think another big change would be good for them.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Does anyone know of any specific laws regarding my situation?
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, yeah, I’ve actually got the pet passport and the microchip registration card. Should I explain to the police that I gave the pet away and now I want to get them back? Or should I just say they were stolen? I’m worried it’ll all backfire on me. Please don't judge me; I’m already feeling enough guilt over my own greed as it is.

    I’ve even offered to give them some money as compensation to get the pet back, but they’ve refused.

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    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    I agree with the comments above, please keep us posted on how things go!
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    Titain
    Titain Icon representing the flag French
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    If all the dog’s papers are still in your name, they can’t keep your dog against your will as that counts as fraud, or even theft.
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    Missloute
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    Hi there, If you've got the pet passport and the ID paperwork in your name, head down to your local police station. Explain the situation to them with your documents and you should be able to file a report. The dog can be considered stolen.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, when you rehomed this dog, did you notify the microchip database about the change of ownership? If not, normally if the dog is still registered in your name, it still belongs to you, as far as I'm aware.

    Translated from French
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