Is it theft to remove a dog from an individual currently confined to a mental health facility, with the intention of surrendering to rescue?

Yes, it is.

Dogs are personal property, and the seizure of any animal must go through local authorities. It's obvious by your question that you are not a local authority.

If the person is in a care facility, they can't be caring for the dog- who is the dog with now, and what sort of arrangements were made?

It's important that this be done carefully, be cause often the relationship between a compromised individual and their pet is the only thing that keeps them hanging on. While the dog's health is very important, you can;t just go spiriting the dog away to parts unknown. It is their right to their property, and the right thing to do here is not to judge, but to *assist*.

If the dog is in the care of someone else, the dog should see a vet and be brought back to health as much as possible. When and if the owner is able to come out of the care facility, every effort should be made to reunite them, and to set up support for both, so they can have the best life possible on their own terms. If that is not possible, that is to be determined later on- but for now, this dog belongs to the person in the care facility unless and until a determination is made that the owner will not come out.

Even homeless people have rights to own property, and there are many free and low cost options for care of pets that accompany them. Not every dog needs to be living in the leafy suburbs, and they often serve a very useful purpose- the same one most other pets serve, only it's more important to someone who has difficulties coping.

You can and would be charged with theft. No rescue would be able to accept an animal without proper proof of ownership. This is an ongoing problem, and no one needs to create a problem for the owner, the rescue, and prospective adopters down the road. Please respect the owner, and help them keep their dog. Just get the dog care.

Yes, it is theft. If the animal needs outside intervention, call Animal Control and they will do what they do.

You are not animal control and haven t the authority or knowledge to determine if a pet is in immediate need of being taken.

Yes. You still need to go through the proper channels, and for good reason.

I agree with Maxi. You need to go through the proper channels if you want to help this animal. Contact your local animal shelter or ASPCA.

It is still theft.

Ut is illegal for an individual to make that decision , it is theft and surrendering an animal( property) that is not theirs, it is not illegal for the individual to report the animal as suffering and in need of help/investigation and the rescue will apply and get a court warrant to remove the dog

Only the person responsible for that individuals legal matters has that privilege,

Anyone not assigned as such custodian, yes, you are depriving another of personal property, theft in most law books.

There are laws that protect animals,and the ASPCA should be the place to start with that. It takes a warrant and a commissioned officer present to remove animals from any premises.

No, it's called animal welfare and protection.

No. And even if it was, I'd do it anyway.

Do it regardless.