Contact Animal Control or Local Authorities: If the person refuses to return your dog, you can contact local animal control or the police. Provide them with the evidence of ownership and explain the situation. They may be able to assist you in getting your dog back.
To get back the dog, you will need to sue your ex in court. You will need to prove ownership of the dog to get full possession of the dog. Evidence will be bill of sale or contract to buy the dog, vet bills, microchip owner in the dog, food and care bills for the dog, etc.
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.
File a motion for a writ of replevin. The motion must be accompanied by an affidavit or verified complaint that supports the allegations in your complaint. The affidavit must also state that you will post a replevin bond with the court. The amount of the bond will be set by the court.
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.
Legally would be the person who purchased the dog. Unless you gave it to another person as a gift or surrendered it to a shelter or other such organization.
You will not go to jail. You have 21 days to respond to the complaint. However, the 21 days on the clock do not start to run until you are actually served with the summons by the process server.
Replevin actions are a versatile tool for obtaining or regaining personal property which you have the right to possess. In Minnesota, replevin actions are also known by the more modern phrase, “claim and delivery of personal property,” and are governed by a statutory scheme found in Minnesota Statutes chapter 565.
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.