lawmummy

A lot has been written and talked about with respect to the “Ellen dog fiasco.”  And I thought I’d take a moment to add my thoughts because… well, why not have yet another perspective, right?
Actually, I feel kind of strongly about this, which is why I wanted to say something.  I’ve seen a lot of comments berating Ellen for “not reading the contract” and going on and on about the law.  And usually, I come down on the side of the law.  Laws are in place to protect us and to protect those who can’t always speak up (dogs, children, you get the idea).

In this instance, I agree that Ellen did the wrong thing.  I also feel very strongly that the agency overreacted.

I have a “rescue dog” - I’ll bet that many of you have rescue animals.  We picked up our dog, Lyle, from the SPCA.  We named Lyle, we paid for him, we pay for his vet bills and his license.  But we do not “own” Lyle.  The papers that we signed say that we have to give him back to the SCPA if we no longer can care for him or if the SPCA feels that we’re not taking care of him properly.

Knowing all of this, I still call Lyle my dog.  He has lived in our house for eight years.  And in my will, I have bequeathed him to my parents if something happens to Chris and I.  Legally, we can’t do this.  Legally, we have to give him back.  But realistically, what are the chances of Lyle being adopted out to a good home if he were to go back to the SPCA?  He is now an 8 year old energetic lab with a crooked jaw.  You and I both know that he would likely be destroyed.  And imagine what would happen if every animal that was ever adopted through a “rescue” organization returned it when he or she couldn’t take care of it?  Chaos.

The point of those papers, really, isn’t to tie the hands of a pet owner looking to do what’s best for the pet.  It’s to ensure that dogs are not resold, abandoned, mistreated, etc.

So, was Ellen wrong?  Of course.  Was that agency really doing the right thing - or maybe just looking to make a point in the presence of lots of press?  Draw your own conclusions.

October 19th, 2007 | Category: Celebs, Law, Me | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL