Dog custody and rehoming question

SHERWOOD

Hello,


I'm looking for some advice. My friend and his partner have split up and he would like to rehome his dog. It wasn't an easy decision to make but will be for the best for the dog as he is only 12 months old. He paid for the dog, its registered in the vets in his name and he has paid for all the treatment so far - neutering, vaccinations etc. He has found a rescue centre that will take him but has discovered that only her name is on the microchip as she took him to the vets for his first vaccination and chipping. She's now claiming its her dog - she wont sign a letter to let him be re-homed neither does she want the dog returned to her. Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you.

Person_one

One of them should keep the dog that they made a commitment to less than a year ago.

Unless they are neglectful or abusive owners then its not 'best for the dog' to be unsettled and uprooted at 12 months of age, that's just something people tell themselves to assuage their guilt when they can't be bothered anymore.

Single people can have dogs too, a dog walker can be used if necessary.

gettingtheresometime

So what is her solution?

Please don't tell me she'd be prepared to have the dog pts?

sheramber

It sounds like she is using the dog to control your friend.

Your friend can apply to the microchip company to have the chip transferred to his name.

They will send a letter to the partner asking if she objects to this. She has 28 days to reply. If no reply they will then transfer the chip registration.

Although she won't write a letter for him she may not be prepared to put it in writing to an official body.

If she does then she is claiming ownership and he either leaves the dog with her or goes to court over it.

Dogs are considered property in the eyes of the law.

thorsoak

Oh dear :-( I presume that the dog did not come from a registered KC breeder - or even an ethical breeder - who gave the new owners a contract stating that if, in any circumstances, the puppy should go back to the breeder, who would make all efforts to find a suitable home for the unwanted pup? In ideal circumstances this is what should happen to this dog which, for no fault of its own, should find itself "unwanted".

Sad, sad, sad ....

krlyr

Microchip is not proof of ownership, the fact he bought the dog and paid for all its care will mean it's likely it will be deemed his property.

https://www.doglaw.co.uk is a good place if he wants to get some legal advice on the matter