need legal advice please

[DOGMAN]

Hey, five months ago there was a fellow in my area that was accused of over 30 accounts of animal cruelty and neglect for mistreatment of sled dogs. Read the story here:http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com.../20mushers.txt

The courts seized his dogs and put them up with foster families. I was asked to be a foster home for a few of these dogs- which I did.

When I got the dogs they were in horrible condition. Frail, under fed, un-socialized, and unkept. Also, although the dogs had great bloodlines they hadn't been exercized ever.

I took the dogs in, cleaned them up, stuffed them with food and water, than started training and conditioning them. Currently, they are at their ideal weight, well muscled, and have come along ways towards being socialized. In general very good young sled dogs with a promising future.

Now, the court has decided to give them to the guy who is accused of the neglect's father until the case is decided. The father lives in Maine and has a large sled dog kennel of his own.

The legal advice I need is what will happen if I don't return them? What can I do keep them out of the hands of this young man who neglected them. This is not a case of over zealous animal rights people charging in and busting a legitiamate enterprise. THis was fellow mushers in the area realizing that one of our own and not fed his dogs, or provided shelter for them in over a week- During a week it was 20 below zero, and over 3 feet of snow fell. What will happen if I am in contempt of court?

[DOGMAN]

To my knowledge the father hasn't ever been charged with similar behaviour. And, nobody from the Montana court system has visited his kennel. This young man who is charged with the crimes- fled Fairbanks, Alaska because of over 18 outstanding warrants for him for animal neglect. He then showed up here, and within 3 months he was arrested for the same things.
My gut tells me, in this situation the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

[FVR]

Welcome to the world of foster care.

On some levels, it sucks. But when you sign up, you sign up to foster, not adopt. If you get a chance to adopt, it's a blessing.

[Sam Reeves]

Now, the court has decided to give them to the guy who is accused of the neglect's father until the case is decided. The father lives in Maine and has a large sled dog kennel of his own.

I wouldn't be surprised if the man's father never makes an effort to collect the dogs.

[DOGMAN]

I wouldn't be surprised if the man's father never makes an effort to collect the dogs.

That's what I thought originally when the court said the father could have them. But, now I have to turn them in by the end of this week.

[DOGMAN]

Was the father ever accused of the same behavior ?
Has anyone visited the father's kennel ?

I went and googled his dad, and from what I read, it seems he has a pretty good reputation in the New England mushing community.

[Sam Reeves]

Hmmm.. maybe you could just give them some different dogs.

[DOGMAN]

Hmmm.. maybe you could just give them some different dogs.

Funny Sam, you and I are seeing eye to eye on this discussion
I thought about doing that as well...but, they are all micro chipped.
Or I'd definelty do it

[Sourdough]

Just make him an offer he can't refuse.......Like I'll buy them for "X" amount of money, or my friend Wareagle, will come visit you and help you get your mind "RIGHT".....

[Assassin Pilot]

Just tell him that you've bonded with the dogs and would like to give him some cash in place of them. I'm sure if this guy is willing to collect the dogs, he will have some heart to a fellow musher. Besides: extra $ upfront > $ lost in the long run feeding a lot of extra dogs

Just tell him that.

[KT_Cobra]

I agree with these guys. First research the father's place. Secondly, speak to the father and offer him money for the dogs due to your close bond with them, like Assassin said. Thirdly, if he is really intent on having the dogs brought to him, explain your situation and tell him that you would like just one favor and that is for him to not allow his son to have possession of these dogs again (of course if his repuation is a good one also).

Also you can contact the local animal rights center in his area and explain your situation. That way they can give this guy a visit to find out what his place is like. I'm not sure the legality behind reporting back to you on their visit, but I would assume that it's not too strict or too "fine-lined".

I hope all works out well.

[commoguy]

im sure a local animal rights place would give you free legal advice. my advice is speak to a lawyer with the exception of ken i dont think any of here are really qualified to give you any real legal advice. best of luck to you though. just out of curiousity how much do musher breed dogs go for?

[DOGMAN]

im sure a local animal rights place would give you free legal advice. my advice is speak to a lawyer with the exception of ken i dont think any of here are really qualified to give you any real legal advice. best of luck to you though. just out of curiousity how much do musher breed dogs go for?

the prices of Alaskan Huskies vary widely. It depends on who the breeder is, who the parents, and grandparents of the dogs are, then it depends on the age/training of puppy/dog. $1,000 for a well bred dog from a top race kennel is a fair price. From a small time race kennel such as mine $300 (but my dogs are top bloodlines) for one of my dogs. To buy a well trained lead dog from a top kennel $3,000-$5,000. Most mushers have more time than money though- so they buy a couple of good dogs, then start breeding and training their own line.

[Ken]

Jason, I sent you a PM on this.

[DOGMAN]

Thanks for the info Ken. PM me your address, I'll send you some Elk steaks!

[Ken]

Thanks for the info Ken. PM me your address, I'll send you some Elk steaks!

Only if I can ship you something in return.

[Sam Reeves]

Thanks for the info Ken. PM me your address, I'll send you some Elk steaks!

Only if I can ship you something in return.

Just forward Ken's bill to Maine.

[Ken]

Just forward Ken's bill to Maine.

Maine's a nice place. I have A LOT of friends in Maine.

[Sam Reeves]

Maine's a nice place. I have A LOT of friends in Maine.

ex-cons?

[KT_Cobra]

Ba-ZING! lol