My dog was stolen and the people who have him wont return him to me. What can I do?

Question

A couple of weeks ago, my dog wandered off and didn't return.  I looked for him, posted flyers, went to animal control, everything.  Occasionally, I still drive around looking for him, hoping that I'll see someone with him outside.  This past Sunday I was sitting at home and decided to go out looking for him again.  I was driving up and down all the streets in a neighborhood by my house; I passed a house that had a bunch of kids in the front yard and thought I saw him.  There was a kid, about 13 years old, holding a small black dog and showing it to another kid.  I didn't fully see the dog; only a part of his back, but it looked like him for some reason.  Since I had already passed the house, I thought I would just circle the block and come around again.  When I came back, they were gone.  I went home and told my brother that I thought I had seen my dog.  We took a few flyers and drove back over to the house.  By this time, it was dark out already.  We pulled up in front of the house and there were two men standing outside in the street by their car.  My brother got out and, politely, told them that he had lost his dog and was wondering if they had seen the dog on the flyer.  One of them said that yes he had seen the dog, pointed to the house where I had seen him earlier and said they had him in there.  My brother thanked him and walked over to the house.  There was a woman who was walking on the side of the house towards the front gate.  My brother, again politely, told her the same thing he had told the man earlier.  The woman looked very nervous and after quickly glancing at the flyer, said, "No, I haven't seen that dog.  That dog's not here."  He asked her how she knew if she hadn't even looked at the flyer.  She said that the only dog that was there was hers.  She said she had a dog like that one, but that hers was bigger.  (You can't really tell what size he is by his picture because it's only of his face)  Long story short, she has my dog and wont give him back!  I called the police, but when they got there, the woman left (I think with the dog).  The police said there was nothing they could do because it was a civil matter.  Since the dog wasn't visibly there, they couldn't tell if it was mine or not. 
I did have the dog chipped when I took him to get vaccinated in May, but the only way that works is if he's taken to a vet or found by animal control.  I called animal control, but they said there was nothing they could do either.  I don't know what else to do.  The police did say that if I saw the dog I could take it and there was nothing that they could do.  I'm scared that they've taken him somewhere else, or will be too scared to let him go outside anymore. 
Even though, I didn't really see the dog fully, I truly believe he's there.  There are a few things that just don't add up and stand out to me:
1.	The lady and her husband both seemed very nervous and defensive about the whole thing.  If they really didn't have it, why be so angry, right? 
2.	Plus, the man outside telling me that they had the dog…. if they’ve had "their dog" for a while like they say, why would someone say that a dog on a Lost Dog poster is there?

3.	When the police questioned the kid that I saw with the dog, he lied and said that they weren't even home that afternoon and were at the beach.

4.	After speaking to the lady and before the police came, we saw her coming out of her house with something bundled in a black sweater, walking to the back house.  I think my dog was in there.

It all happened so fast that night.  There's so many things running through my head that I should have done:  I should have stopped the car and just reversed when I thought I saw him; I should have taken my parents with me instead because they probably could have reasoned with those people better; I should have called out his name when we were standing in the yard.  
To this day, I still drive by that house every day hoping that I’ll see him, but it seems as thought they’ve taken him somewhere else.  A friend of mine suggested that I write them a letter demanding they return him within 24 hours or face civil and criminal charges (to scare them and see what they do).  

Part of me still has hope that I'll get him back, but there's a part of me that feels like I should let him go.  I feel so sad…. my kids are sad…we can't let him go.

Echo Two · Accepted Answer

Keep driving by the house.  Take your cell phone with you - if you see him, call the police on your cell phone and stay till they arrive.  They can call animal control to come get the dog and take the dog to the shelter and have him scanned for his chip.  If it is theft, then it is not a civil matter, it is a criminal one; but the police really can't do anything if the dog is not present.

If they have moved him to another location, there's little that can be done.

Anonymous · Answer

It is a civil matter, however you can pursue it further. Get statements from the witnesses that have seen your dog in their possession. I'm sure they would be happy to help you out. Gather photographs of the dog and all paperwork you have on him. Are there any markings on him (such as even a tiny white mark, a scar, etc) that would positively identify him as yours? If so, have a photograph that shows it. Keep an eye on the neighbors. Upon seeing them again, contact the police, yet again. If you are still unable to view the dog, you need to pursue taking them to court to get your dog back. Most of the time, the dog is awarded back to the original owner. They have stolen what is legally considered property from you. They are aware that they are in possession of stolen property. The letter could cause them to remove the dog from their location in some form whether it be by giving the animal to a family member, or housing him at a different location until the "heat" is off of them. Two options here really. Watch and wait, or go to court to retrieve your dog.

Edit: As for letting him go, I personally would not. If one of my dogs were stolen, I would be very keen on getting my animal back in any way necessary. I had a ferret stolen on Thanksgiving of last year by two young boys that were snooping around my property. Thankfully, they had a nice father and grandmother that saw my flyers and contacted me and returned her to me. It is not uncommon for an animal to be stolen, but I wouldn't give up. He is rightfully YOUR dog, and your children are upset at the loss of their pet. A scanner for the microchip would conclusively prove that he is YOUR dog, and that they are guilty of theft. Therefore, charges can be brought, as they know what they are doing is wrong, a crime, and had every opportunity to return your dog to you.

Anonymous · Answer

In my opinion... if that was my dog, I'd be covert about it. This probably isn't ACTUALLY  a good idea... But I would wait for her to take the dog on a walk, then run by and snatch it back. 

I feel terrible for you, I couldn't imagine being in that position and feeling so helpless. I wouldn't give up. If anything, talk to an at attorney and see if taking her to small-claim's court could possibly resolve the issue. If you're able to show paperwork of purchase and several photos of the dog, there might be something you could do. 

The other people obviously won't have proof of purchase if it's your dog, and if the dog matches your family photos, you may have a chance. Good luck!

BelleK · Answer

I like your friend's suggestion, to send a letter. But I would take it one step further. First, get in contact with a civil lawyer for advice, they will probably give you a bit of advice over the phone, but whether they do or not is irrelevant. It's just to keep you honest and not be lying to them. Then send a *certified* letter to the house telling them that you have contacted a lawyer (which you did ;)) and are prepared to take them to court. Tell them that your dog is microchipped and that will be solid evidence in court. Tell them that they have 24, 48 hours (or whatever you think is right) to contact you and make arrangements for returning your dog, without any further repercussions, and that you just want your dog back and do not want to take them to court. If they do not contact you, expect to hear from your lawyer.

Hopefully this will scare them into returning him. It'll let them know that you are serious and have proof that he is your dog.

You'll also have to be prepared that you will not see your dog again, but this is a good last effort. I sincerely wish you the best of luck!!!!

Lizzie · Answer

Well, if you can't manage to steal him back, if it really is your dog, ask a lawyer what to do.  Go to http://www.lentillem.com and ask Len Tillem, the lawyer.  He will answer your question for free and email you an answer.

Your parents could still go to the house and very politely ask the people for their help in clearing up a little matter...we heard that you may have found our lost dog and we are desperate to get him back...neighbors told us you have a similar dog...we're eating our hearts out...could we please see your dog so we'll know it isn't ours?   we don't want to drag this into court if we don't have to, we're sure it is all a misunderstanding...our kids are still crying themselves to sleep at night...oh my, there is quite a resemblance!  To clear this up once and for all, we want to take the dog to our vet to be scanned for a microchip and ofcourse you are welcome to come with us.  It won't take but a few moments and then we won't bother you again...

If it's not your dog, at least you'll know that much.  If it is your dog, you take him home.

melissa k · Answer

In Illinois (perhaps all states? not sure), it is required that one make an effort to locate the owner if one finds a dog. Otherwise, it's stealing. I have no idea how that is enforced - it would have to be proven that the person found the dog, I suppose. You might want to check www.dogbitelaw.com (not just info on aggression) or contact an attorney in your area. If you have proof of ownership (pictures, vet records, microchip), you should be able to determine if this is your dog or not and, if so, get him back.

prsm23 · Answer

Don't write the letter, just go ahead and take legal action. If you write the letter, they will sell, kill, or get rid of the dog in some inhumane way inorder to avoid the legal route. Take action and do it fast, it may already be too late. GO TO A LAWYER!!! Find a pro bono (free) lawyer if you have financial difficulties.

copperpenny39047 · Answer

Well, don't go busting in there with guns blazing...like OJ did to get his"stuff" back..he will be in jail forever.  If I were you<  I would get a  young (= cheaper) lawyer to send  a letter on his letterhead, saying either return the dog, or you will pursue it in Civil Court!!!

Red Rover · Answer

Write a letter to her and turn this into a legal matter. She has no right to be keeping your dog like this.

AUSSIEMOM · Answer

ask the police officer to borrower a scanner from a local vet and ask him to go to the house to scan the dog...  that way you will have a definite answer..

remind the cop that you pay his salary ....


ask her to prove it is her dog by having a vet scan him!!  if she won't,, then you will know for sure that it IS your dog.

good luck

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My dog was stolen and the people who have him wont return him to me. What can I do?

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