Legal help

[SwampDonkey]

My friend has had her pets taken while she was in hospital.
The police say it's a civil matter and won't help her.
Does anyone know of a lawyer who specialises in this type of case?
If so could you please give a contract number as she doesn't have access to the internet.
Thanks

 

[SwampDonkey]

She also thinks she knows who has them.

 

[kateincornwall]

Maybe these people could help ?

Pet Custody

UK law treats pets the same way as chattels, such as cars or other personal items. Deciding who gets custody of the pet in a divorce can get contentious.

blanchardslaw.co.uk

 

[SwampDonkey]

Maybe these people could help ?

Pet Custody

UK law treats pets the same way as chattels, such as cars or other personal items. Deciding who gets custody of the pet in a divorce can get contentious.

blanchardslaw.co.uk

They have not deal with cases that are family relationships they may not cover this situation.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

They have not deal with cases that are family relationships they may not cover this situation.

It's a place to start. Sometimes it take multiple tries to get to the right lawyer, but other lawyers can be a good source of leads.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Wasn't there also a program a few months ago (maybe that @Cath mentioned?) about a man who was finding/searching for stolen dogs?

Strange that the police don't want to get involved - dogs are considered property, so this is stolen property. It's sad to think of animals that way, but under the law, I would think that stolen property would could for something.

 

[Jen]

I don’t understand how the police can say it’s a civil matter.

Surely It’s theft?

I don’t personally know anyone but this looks a place to start..

Dog Legal Specialists & Solicitors | Dog Law

At Cooper & Co, we are the first solicitors to specialise in both criminal and civil cases involving dogs throughout the whole of England & Wales.

doglaw.co.uk

They specialise in cases involving dogs.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I don’t personally know anyone but this looks a place to start..

See, told you lawyers know how to find other lawyers.

 

[Cath]

The Pet Detectives

The Pet Detectives is a company that has established itself as a market leader in the investigation of animal theft and the recovery of stolen and missing cats and dogs throughout the United Kingdom.

thepetdetectives.com

Is it an offence to steal a dog?

The theft of a dog is already a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968 and the maximum penalty is seven years' imprisonment. If someone causes an animal to suffer in the course of stealing it from its owner, then they are liable to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

 

[Cath]

Pet abduction to be made new criminal offence in crackdown on pet theft

Pet Theft Taskforce delivers report with key findings and recommendations

www.gov.uk