Pet Rehoming Legal Rights

Summary

If your pet was rehomed without notification in South Carolina, you may have rights to reclaim it. Animal control typically holds pets for 5 days before adoption. For FOIA requests, respond within 15 business days and appeal within 30 days if denied. If arrested, animal control must hold your pet for at least 5 days and attempt to contact you. Service animals have additional protections. Consult an animal law or civil litigation attorney for assistance.

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Seneca, South Carolina
In South Carolina, pet owners have certain rights:
- You should have been notified before your pet was given away.
- You may have a right to reclaim your pet if it was wrongfully taken.
I recommend contacting a local attorney for specific advice.
How long for Animal Control? How to respond to my FOIA request?
In South Carolina:
- Animal control typically holds pets for 5 days before adoption.
- For your FOIA request, respond within * business days.
- If denied, you may appeal within 30 days.
Contact a local attorney for detailed advice.
What does Animal Control need to do with your dog if you are arrested in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, if a pet owner is arrested:
- Animal Control may take custody of the pet for its safety.
- They must hold the pet for a minimum of 5 days.
- They should attempt to contact the owner or a designated person before rehoming the pet.
This may vary by county, so confirm with your local Animal Control.
Oconee county Animal Control gave my dog away when I was arrested and will not tell me where she is. She is a service animal
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In South Carolina:
- Service animals have additional protections.
- Animal Control should have made reasonable attempts to locate you before rehoming your service dog.
I suggest contacting a local attorney immediately to assist you with this matter.
What type of an attorney do I need to help me get my service animal back when Animal Control gave them to a rescue after I was arrested?
You would likely need a lawyer specializing in animal law or civil litigation. They can help navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights as a service animal owner.