Ex boyfriend put my cat to sleep to hurt me
He took my cat to the humane society without my permission and without me knowing and she was put to sleep. Please tell me there is some recourse for such a disgusting action!
3 Attorney Answers
Best Answer
Under the law, animals are generally treated as property meaning that you could sue him for the value of your cat (i.e., the actual cost of the cat and/or a replacement - not what you think she was worth).
However, given the circumstances, you might be able to sue him for intentional infliction of emotional distress and possibly other causes of action. You need to speak with a local attorney for guidance. The Wisconsin Bar Association can give you a referral: http://www.wisbar.org/
However, given the circumstances, you might be able to sue him for intentional infliction of emotional distress and possibly other causes of action. You need to speak with a local attorney for guidance. The Wisconsin Bar Association can give you a referral: http://www.wisbar.org/
Best Answer
Another, albeit minor, issue in this unfortunate - and sadistic - incident is the humane society shelter killing an apparently healthy animal merely because a total stranger brings it in and asks them to. What protocols - if any - does this shelter have for confirming ownership and determining the conditions under which animals are destroyed?
You say "ex boyfriend." Was he an ex before or after he decided to torture you by killing your pet. If before, the question then becomes how he got your cat to take to the shelter. Is there any basis for a charge of breaking and entering?
My condolences over the killing of your pet. I urge you to follow the suggestion to review your options with counsel. Your state and county bar associations can assist you with referrals.
You say "ex boyfriend." Was he an ex before or after he decided to torture you by killing your pet. If before, the question then becomes how he got your cat to take to the shelter. Is there any basis for a charge of breaking and entering?
My condolences over the killing of your pet. I urge you to follow the suggestion to review your options with counsel. Your state and county bar associations can assist you with referrals.
Best Answer
Sadly, this is one of the most common occurences in domestic-violence situations: To control their victim, an abuser targets other living beings that have the least ability to defend themselves or speak out about the abuse and to which the victim often has the greatest emotional attachment--typically any children in the household and, to an even greater extent as far as vulnerability, family pets.
While unfortunately you cannot bring your cat back to life, your ex-boyfriend can and should be prosecuted criminally and civilly for intentionally causing you emotional distress and destroying your property without your knowledge or permission. Have you called the police? If not, do so immediately and make a full report.
Also, lodge a complaint against the humane society for its actions. I wholeheartedly agree with the attorney who said that the shelter should be held contributorily liable because they should not have just said, "OK, we'll put the animal down" without first checking for some kind of documentation of ownership.
Indicia of ownership can include such things as vet records, government licensing and rabies vaccination records, pet food and pet product receipts, purchase/adoption records, third-party observations of who provided more "care, custody and control" - e.g., Who did the animal spend more time with/reside with the longest? Who remembered when vaccinations came due? Who renewed the city dog license? Leave no stone unturned because the person with the most evidence of caretaking usually wins in these situations.
Best of luck to you!
Joan
While unfortunately you cannot bring your cat back to life, your ex-boyfriend can and should be prosecuted criminally and civilly for intentionally causing you emotional distress and destroying your property without your knowledge or permission. Have you called the police? If not, do so immediately and make a full report.
Also, lodge a complaint against the humane society for its actions. I wholeheartedly agree with the attorney who said that the shelter should be held contributorily liable because they should not have just said, "OK, we'll put the animal down" without first checking for some kind of documentation of ownership.
Indicia of ownership can include such things as vet records, government licensing and rabies vaccination records, pet food and pet product receipts, purchase/adoption records, third-party observations of who provided more "care, custody and control" - e.g., Who did the animal spend more time with/reside with the longest? Who remembered when vaccinations came due? Who renewed the city dog license? Leave no stone unturned because the person with the most evidence of caretaking usually wins in these situations.
Best of luck to you!
Joan