Answer. People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can commence a civil lawsuit (such as a replevin action) to try to get the animal returned and can also contact the police, although the police do not usually get involved in pet custody disputes.
In its simplest terms, replevin is a procedure whereby seized goods are restored to their owner (creditor) at the beginning of a lawsuit. If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing to retrieve vehicles, equipment, or any personal property in California, the replevin is a very useful tool.
If your dog has been taken wrongfully, perhaps by a family member, or ex non-marital partner, it is possible to use the property status of your animal to obtain a judgment. Replevin is an effective civil remedy to get your dog back.
The Complaint: The complaint in replevin typically must include: (i) a description of the property to be replevied; (ii) its value; (iii) its location if known; and (iv) the material facts upon which the claim is based – in other words, why the filing party is entitled to seize the property that has been taken.
The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. It also requires filing an affidavit in the county or district court where the property is. The affidavit: States that the plaintiff claims rightful ownership or entitlement to possession of the property.
In California, pets are generally considered property under the law, and if you have proof of ownership, such as adoption papers or veterinary records, it can strengthen your case. Since you had possession of the dog before and have evidence of your previous ownership, you may have legal grounds to reclaim your pet.
Creditors use replevin actions to recover collateral when debtors default on secured loans. For example, a bank might file a replevin action against a borrower to repossess the borrower's car after he missed too many payments.
Procedure for Obtaining, in Court, a Writ of Replevin The filing of a complaint begins a replevin action. As in other civil actions, the defendant is brought into Court by the service of the summons and the complaint. If the plaintiff establishes the cause of action, the Court must enter an Order granting possession.