Vet puts dog down without owner knowledge

[cmg1980]

Can I take an Animal Hospital to court for putting my dog to sleep without calling me first?

I had a dog that I put up for adoption, he was found with the new rabis tag which is in my name. The new owners never came for him so I was going to keep him. I told the animal hospital three times he neeeded to be muzzled in order to change his bandage or anything because he did not like the vet. About two days later they call me and said they had put him to sleep for bitting. Shouldn't they have called me? Do they have the right to put my dog to sleep without calling me? It happened last January(2007), is it too late to take action?

I need to know if I can do anything. Please help!!

Thank you!!
CG

It depends on the agreement between you and the vet as to what your rights were to the dog at the time that it was put down.
If you had an informal agreement that you might take the dog back if the new owners failed to collect, then it might be difficult to pursue anything.
It may be sensible to file a complaint with the local county vetinary regulatory body, who may also be able to advise you further on your rights to the dog while under the care of the vet.

aee

[cmg1980]

I definitly had the ownership rights because the rabis tag on the coller was regsistered in my name. The Animal Control people found the dog roaming the streets. When they got him, they found he had been hit by a car and was badly emasiated. The vet said he had to have been out on the streets for a week or more alone. I was called the day he was brought in to the Vet by Animal Control. They told me about having the dog and what happened. I did say he had been put up for adoption but since he had been found in that condition I was going to take responsibility of him again. So they asked me what to do. I said to please fix his leg. Thankfully it was just a fracture. I told them I would find a way to pay the vet bill. I went in and visited him. Told them everything again to make sure they knew everything. At home I called twice a day to see how my dog was doing. Two days go by and they call and the first thing out of their mouth is "We put Brutus to sleep" . I said you already did it? and they said yes.

The whole thing put me into a really bad place. I suffer from major depression. just two years before all that happened I was hospitalized for depression. And all this with my dog has set me back really far in my progress.

I just want them to be fined and forced to buy me a new dog. No dog will ever take Brutus's place but I need a dog for companionship, protection and it's good thyrapy for me.

So please if anyone can give me advice. Any lawyer out there reading this , do I have a good case?


CG

[randalljd]

They should have called you yes.


You could sue in small claims or other court for the the cost of the dog or expenses etc.