MENU

Riverside:

(951) 667-5293

Orange County:

(714) 758-5293

who you hire can make all the difference

Mr. Donath has spent his entire career defending people and standing up for the rights of the accused.

request a free consultation
  • former deputy public defender

    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

  • award winning certified criminal law specialist

    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

  • a true passion for defending the accused

    Your lawyer should have a passion for defense, not just a passion for money. Reputation, vigor, and determination go a long way in this business.

Request Consultation

request a free confidential consultation

*all fields are required
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Don’t Forget About Your Pets: Here Is What Happens to Them While You Are in Jail

Posted in General FAQ'S on March 21, 2016

An arrest can be devastating, but it affects a person’s life in more ways than he or she might realize. How do you continue to pay bills in jail? What if you own a property or lease an apartment, and what happens to your pets? The last issue can be especially challenging, as many people would move heaven and earth for their companions. If you are arrested and placed in jail, here is what you can expect to happen to any pets at home.

The Worst Case Scenario

Returning home, even from a temporary incarceration resulting in a few days in county, can lead to bigger consequences than you might expect. Imagine the day of your release or finding out someone has posted your bail. You head home, looking forward to relaxing and being greeted by your beloved pet. Now imagine unlocking the door only to discover your dog is missing.

Unfortunately, this scenario can easily happen when people return home after an arrest. Though there are a few ways to ensure your pets are cared for, most police departments do not have a policy about handling dogs in these situations. The local government may attempt to intervene and ensure your animals are fed and cared for, but making sure this happens can be complicated and confusing.

Without properly addressing the situation, a dog could go hungry, be hurt, or simply wander off. If the police must handle the situation without an individual’s cooperation, the dog will likely be held in a municipal shelter where he or she will eventually be eligible for adoption if the owner does not intervene.

What if a Pet Is with You During an Arrest?

If a person is pulled over and arrested for drug possession or any reason, and his or her dog is also in the car, the situation becomes a complicated problem. The police officer now has to account for the individual being arrested and his or her pet. Here are a few factors that will affect the outcome of such a situation:

  • Communication and cooperation. If the individual is compliant and cognizant, the officer may ask if a family member can come pick up the dog. This may also depend on how well behaved or contained the pet is in the car and if the officer feels threatened by the situation.
  • Whether or not the officer needs advice or back up. Arresting officers will likely contact supervisors for help; these individuals will simply recommend what they consider best. In large cities, an animal task force may be called to come handle the pet.

Since there’s no formal policy regulating pet control in these situations, it is a bit challenging to know what to expect. Regardless of the situation, caring for the pet is your responsibility, whether or not you are behind bars.

Taking Care of Your Pets

While you are being processed and incarcerated, at any point, you may inform an officer of your situation and make arrangements for your pet. Though an arrest can be a confusing process, this is an important issue to keep track of and manage.

Most officers prefer to be informed of the situation so it can be safely addressed. The dog may be signed over to a custodian you select, or the police department may request that the arrestee sign the dog over to officials until the animal’s care can be determined. In this situation, the pet may be temporarily boarded at a local shelter.

An attorney can also be an invaluable resource during this time. While they are helping with incarceration, they can also ensure the care of your pets. For more info on California law regarding this issue, reach out to Graham Donath today.