My Microchipped dog has been 'dog napped' by ex. How best to proceed?

[Tromboleece]

My ex-partner and I have had an extremely acrimoniously split. I was chucked out of the house with a 4 month old baby because they needed 'space'. It took me 6 weeks and many visits accompanied by police to retrieve our clothing but my dog has not and won't be given back without a fight.

I am the registered owner on the Petlog database and I have called and reported it to them. However, I was told that I must inform the police and obtain crime reference number to escalate it to a nationwide alert level with vet surgeries throughout the UK. When I went to the police they told me because it was involving an ex partner, it was a Civil matter and they wouldn't provide a CRN.

Does anyone have any advice? I was thinking I should perhaps just give as little info as possible and just say the dog was stolen at a certain place. It seems as soon as they hear anything domestic related their eyes glaze over and it's a flat refusal to proceed.

Many thanks for all advice and experiences in advance.

[SpicyPear]

I don't think you should report as stolen because it will soon come to light that it's a domestic dispute you will be taken even less seriously. The petlog entry being in your name is not in itself proof of legal ownership of the dog, just evidence that would hero you to prove it.

If you can, I would see a solicitor about a civil court action to have your dog returned to you. Any chance your ex will cave in at sight of a solicitors letter/threat of action? It would be money well spent if so.

[D0oinMeCleanin]

You don't want my advise, my advise would be against the law.

But legally dogs are classed as property so I would try the Police again and ask to speak to some one in charge regarding some of your property being stolen. Only mention it's a dog once you have their attention and reiterate that dogs, in the eyes of the law are property. It's as much a crime as it would be him stealing your car or your laptop.

[Tromboleece]

Thanks for the advice. It seems to be a bit of a grey area and I'm afraid that once my partner gets wind of it, my dog wil be spirited away.

Lawyer's letters regarding child maintenance and repayment of loans have been sent and ignored already.

Incidentally what IS considered definitive proof of dog ownership? I don't have any papers because the dog was a gift to me from the breeder after my former dog, his brother, was killed by a greyhound. God, I'm getting really upset now!

[Themumsnot]

Would it be worth contacting the breeder and getting a written statement that the dog was given as a gift to you personally?

[SpicyPear]

The letter would be a good idea and good evidence. There is no definitive proof, only evidence that a judge would consider and make a decision based on. Have you discussed the dog with the solicitor that is acting for you in relation to the debts and maintenance?

It seems that the reason the police will not help is not because they don't accept that the dog is property, but because they cannot be sure whose it is. For example, if you'd left a laptop at the house they wouldn't be charging your ex for stealing that either. The flip side is that if you could get physical possession of your dog without breaking the law, your ex wouldn't have any luck with the police either...

Sorry there is no easy solution to this. It must be absolutely heartbreaking on top of everything else you are going through.

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Do you still have keys? I'd get some back up and do me some dognapping.

[SnapesOnAPlane]

I'd dognapp him back too. If you want any help, I'm up for it... :o

[MrsZoidberg]

I'm with everyone here. The dog is a possession as much as the clothes and personal belongings that the police helped you retrieve.

Was the dog there when the police escorted you into the house? If so, was anything discussed about the dog then?

I had similar when I split from my ex, he threatened to keep the dog as "punishment" for me leaving him. I went to CAB who said the dog was "my possession" as I owned him before I met ex. Just telling ex this made him stop the stupid threats, but then he was spineless

On a slightly weird tangent, from what you've said I assume he is the father of your child - if so, does he want any visitation rights? If he does, the court would look very badly if he "kidnapped" your dog, as what is to stop him kidnapping your child (assuming you have custody) ??

I'm happy to help dognap too, hate manipulative bastards who use living creatures in this way.

[Scuttlebutter]

Your name on chip database is not, by itself, enough to establish ownership. Is it your name on insurance documents, as owner at vets, who organises boarding kennels, attends dog training classes, etc.

I would strongly suggest you contact Trevor Cooper of DogLaw - he specialises in dog related legal work and will be able to advise you on the best course of action to retrieve your dog and establish legal ownership. See link here

[McFarts]

Go and steal the dog HONESTLY! it is you only hope!

Read this

www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=610014&highlight=stolen

[SpicyPear]

But McFarts, the lady on that thread got the dog back through the courts.

I'm not anti napping the dog back if it can be done safely and legally. Wouldn't want OP to put herself in any danger doing it though.

[McFarts]

She did indeed get the dog back yes, after 2 years and a massive legal bill! of course the putting herself in any sort of physical danger isnt an option, but in the OP's situation, id be knickin the dog back quick sharp, before the ex thinks to use it to manipulate her further.

[NewBrian]

Can you pretend you will dogshare/dogsit then keep the dog? Is his garden accessible? Also who has taken the dog to vets/paid vet bills. Very unmumsnetty reply but I'd smash the window and get my dog back borrow a mixrochipping device, stand outside his property and call the police telling them there's a domestic dispute that is about to turn very ugly and they are needed. They'd help if a possession had been stolen so why not a dog?

[RaspberryMousse]

Major zombie thread... I wonder if the OP ever got her dog back...

[Exesarenotcute]

Hi I'm going through the except same situation, police said my pug looks settled so leave him.. he is my boy! I've had him from 6 week old, he is 6 October 25th. I know he left 8am till 6pm pug or any dog left that long is a no no hey...

[ToBrieOrNotToBrieThatIsTheQuestion]

@Exesarenotcute

Hi I'm going through the except same situation, police said my pug looks settled so leave him.. he is my boy! I've had him from 6 week old, he is 6 October 25th. I know he left 8am till 6pm pug or any dog left that long is a no no hey...

I would recommend contacting Trevor Cooper who is the dog law specialist

https://doglaw.co.uk/civil/ownership-custody-disputes/