In Florida, the legal system views pets as property. While many animal lovers may not like to think in these terms, it does help the owner of a lost dog reclaim their pet in a custody dispute. The law is on the side of the dog's owner.
In the past, if the finder of a lost dog refused to return the dog to the family law enforcement was unlikely to get involved, the owner was told it was a civil matter and was left to handle the situation on their own. However, we're pleased to see more and more police departments who recognize that a lost or stolen pet IS a legal matter that requires them to intervene. It truly is the duty of law enforcement to help recover lost or stolen "property", whether it's purse, a car, OR a pet!
If you find a lost pet please remember that since a pet is considered legal property in the eyes of the law, keeping a dog that doesn't belong to you without taking steps to find the owner is not only morally wrong, it is against the law. You may be fined or prosecuted. You are required to notify your local animal control, shelter, or police department. Have the pet scanned for a microchip. It's also recommended to post signs and deliver flyers to try to reach the dog's owner. Don't assume the dog has been abandoned or neglected because of their appearance. He may have been lost for a long time. More suggestions to reunite a lost dog here: http://www.lostdogsflorida.org/found-dog.html
Florida Statute 705.104 Real and personal property - lost or abandoned property
(1) Title to lost or abandoned property is hereby vested in the finder upon the expiration of the 90-day custodial time period specified in s. 705.103(2)(b), provided the notice requirements of s. 705.103 have been met, unless the rightful owner or a lienholder claims the property within that time.
In the past, if the finder of a lost dog refused to return the dog to the family law enforcement was unlikely to get involved, the owner was told it was a civil matter and was left to handle the situation on their own. However, we're pleased to see more and more police departments who recognize that a lost or stolen pet IS a legal matter that requires them to intervene. It truly is the duty of law enforcement to help recover lost or stolen "property", whether it's purse, a car, OR a pet!
If you find a lost pet please remember that since a pet is considered legal property in the eyes of the law, keeping a dog that doesn't belong to you without taking steps to find the owner is not only morally wrong, it is against the law. You may be fined or prosecuted. You are required to notify your local animal control, shelter, or police department. Have the pet scanned for a microchip. It's also recommended to post signs and deliver flyers to try to reach the dog's owner. Don't assume the dog has been abandoned or neglected because of their appearance. He may have been lost for a long time. More suggestions to reunite a lost dog here: http://www.lostdogsflorida.org/found-dog.html
Florida Statute 705.104 Real and personal property - lost or abandoned property
(1) Title to lost or abandoned property is hereby vested in the finder upon the expiration of the 90-day custodial time period specified in s. 705.103(2)(b), provided the notice requirements of s. 705.103 have been met, unless the rightful owner or a lienholder claims the property within that time.
Lost Dogs Florida is a 501c3 non-profit EIN# 84-3438237