Pet Custody

Hello. Because the state courts view pets as property, I've decided to post this question here.

In January, three people purchased a dog together; we'll call them Harry, Lucy, and Annie. The dog was the price of $75, each buyer paying $25. There are no records showing the purchase of the dog despite emails from the sellers to and from Annie. At the time, all three lived together in an apartment so the dog was with all three at all times. Also, at the time, Lucy and Harry were dating.

However, when Harry was not holding up his end of the deal with the dog - we'll call him Buddy - Lucy and Annie took it upon themselves to care for the puppy.

Three months later, after some time of verbal abuse, Lucy left Harry and left the central apartment. Because Annie was still on the lease at the apartment with Harry, she stayed there - as did the dog because two of the three buyers lived in a central location.

In May, Annie moved out. Harry originally said the dog would go with her, but after a week's leave across country, Annie returned to find that Harry was saying he wanted to keep the dog because two other roommates (who did not help in the purchase or training of the dog) would like to keep him.

A joint custody schedule was arranged for Buddy to stay with Annie and Lucy part of the week, and Harry the other part. However, Annie has gotten Buddy back unfed and dehydrated not once, but three times. She's had enough of the poor dog being mistreated. Harry's apartment is dirty, hot, and dark and she doubts the dog is properly cared for. Though Harry has denied that he miscares for the dog, Annie has her speculations.

In early June, Annie and Lucy took Buddy to the vet for his shots and an exam. They, of course, paid for it and are in the process of getting Buddy liscensed in their names which will be completed July 18th. Harry does not know about any of this - when told Buddy needed to go to the vet in May, he said he did not have the money to pay for the visit and would pay Lucy and Annie back later. Not trusting him, they paid for it upfront.

Annie has tried to reason with Harry that he does not have the time or money for the dog, but he refuses to give up his rights and allow Annie to take full-custody.

When July 18th rolls around, Buddy will be liscensed in the state under Lucy and Annie's names. All medical files will be under their names as well, and they paid - together - more than half of the original purchase. My question is, does Harry have any rights to the dog? Could he take Annie and Lucy to court for him and possibly win?

I'm very concerned about this situation and I fear for the animal's health as well as the health of the two females involved. Harry has a history of verbal abuse, stalking habits, and obsession; and though he goes to therapy now, he still poses a threat. Annie and Lucy have agreed that when the licensing is complete, a restraining order will also be put into effect because Harry continues to call Lucy even after she's told him three times she will file the order if he continues.

Please help me with this situation.

[randalljd]

If two or more owners cannot agree on what to do with a piece of personal property (such as a pet) they may petition the court and the court will order a sale or retitling etc. so that the one or more will be out of the property obligation and/or the other(s) may keep it etc.--it is often done-- (This is true in some cases even for equitable owners that have paid various amounts etc., but for various reasons, may not be on title.)