Asked by Sheheen on 04-07-2023 11:05:02
Question posted in the General Law category relating to Gauteng
Hi. I am currently seeking advice on domestic pet law. I would like to find out the law regarding stray pets and the legal owners of such pets. My family has taken in 2 stray dogs a number of years ago. These were family dogs initially. These dogs were under the financial support from my mother initially but have been mainly under my financial support for the past 9 years. At some point in time, we had to move to another property that did not allow dogs, but the dogs were kept by the family. I have since moved from the house in 2020 and have asked for the dogs to be taken care of by me since my mother was unable to provide finances, transport and other needs for the dogs. She has agreed for me to take care of the dogs but now wants them back. I don't believe it is in the best interest of the dog as the family is currently incapable of taking care of them in my opinion. My mothers name was on the vaccination records for the dogs up until last year.The dogs have been microchipped by me as advised by close friends in the case of theft.
Who is the legal owner of the dogs in this case?If you are not the correct type of lawyer to deal with such, please point me in the right direction.
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