Help! Legal Rights.

[SpicyBons]

Hi, I’m currently abroad with my family. Our friends have agreed to look after our bunnies, however, they have now booked their own holiday 3 days in advance of our return! They are threatening to call the RSPCA to take our bunnies away if we don’t pick them up within the next two days. Which is simply impossible for obvious reasons.

Now, I do not believe this call would be urgent enough for the RSPCA to respond to. Especially taking into consideration the thorough care we take of the bunnies, to the point were even our vets claim that our bunnies are the healthiest buns they’ve ever seen, and our record keeping is extremely precise and accurate.

But I do worry that if the RSPCA does not respond, these people will do whatever is in their power to get rid of the bunnies.

I’d like to know any legal rights I may have in this situation. If these people get rid of the bunnies, whether that is by giving them to the RSPCA or any other form of abandonment (which is how I’m currently viewing it). Are there any laws that could help me prevent this situation from occurring?

[LBJ10]

Hmm… I assume they knew when you would be returning when they agreed to take care of your bunnies? I don’t know of any laws that would apply except property laws. Unfortunately, pets are considered personal property. So essentially, they would be disposing of personal property belonging to you that they had been entrusted with. It may be considered a civil matter though, I don’t know. I don’t have a law degree and I don’t know of anyone here that does.

Would it be possible to contact an animal shelter to see if they could hold your bunnies until you get home? You said it’s only 3 days. That seems like it would be the reasonable solution, even though you may have to pay a boarding fee.

I’m sorry this has happened. I imagine this is very stressful. I hope you can get this resolved.

 

[Hazel]

I agree, the best thing you can do at this point is to find a place where they can be boarded, hopefully your “friends” (I’m guessing that friendship is done with) will agree to take them there. I’m sorry this happened, what a nasty situation all around. 🙁

[Q8bunny]

You could argue in small claims court that your friends are in breach of contract – so no, you have no legal means of solving your immediate problem. The RSPCA would have a hard time proving neglect or cruelty given the circumstances.
My suggestion would be to try to make boarding arrangements and have your fair weather friends drop the bunnies off there – your vet, perhaps? A kindly neighbour or family member? A few days is not a huge commitment so it’s an easier ask at this point.

[pinkiemarie]

So you know ANYONE who can go get them? Even if they just take them to your vet! That said does your vet offer boarding? I am so mad at these people on your behalf.

[SpicyBons]

Thank you so much for all your replies! Yes, the friendship is most definitely over, Hazel, not a doubt in my mind. I don’t ever want to associate with these people ever again! They make my blood boil!

In regards to boarding, we’ve contacted several different boarding groups but unfortunately they all require the vaccination records, a photocopy to include when booking as well as the hard copy when bringing the bunnies in. Although they are fully vaccinated, I did not provide them to our ‘friends’. I thought about it, but didn’t deem it necessary since their vaccinations are all noted in the vet records which I provided them with (lesson learnt). Supposedly the boarding places cannot accept medical records because they only state the date on which the vaccines were given. Not the expiry date nor batch number which is what they require.

I’ve contacted a couple of nearby shelters but they either don’t take rabbits, or are absolutely filled up (Easter bunnies being given up despite Covid).

Our vet unfortunately doesn’t offer boarding, even if they did, these people are refusing to drive them down. I suggested they drive them down to our house and drop them off, my friend was willing to stay over and look after them for a couple of days (she doesn’t drive). However, these selfish people stated that it was too far and they have better things to do!!

My boyfriend’s parents are willing to drive down to pick them up, it is a three hour journey though, so we’re trying to find an alternative option for the time being.

[Louiethebunny]

I am so sorry on your behalf, they sound very rude and that is definitely not something you should have to deal with. It’s good you have at least one possible plan, do you maybe have any other friends nearby who could pick up the rabbits and remove them from the other people’s care while your boyfriend drives down?

[Hazel]

Wow, I can’t believe those people. They agree to look after the rabbits, then they decide to back out and now they act like you’re inconveniencing them?? That’s infuriating, I’m so sorry. 🙁  I’m glad you have your boyfriend’s parents to fall back on, too bad it’s such a long drive for them.

[Peanutthebunny]

How can people do that they knew when you were coming back. your so-called friends must hate the rabbits and might have been trying to get a rid of them anyway (probably not but just a thought) I don’t know what to do but I do agree with LBJ10

[LBJ10]

Your boyfriend’s parents can pick them up and your friend can stay at your home to watch them… it sounds like you will have a solution to this dilemma. I know it’s a lot to ask them to drive 3 hours, but I don’t see what else you could do if your “friends” are refusing to at least assist in the transfer. I am sorry you are having to go through this. There may not be any immediate legal action you can take, but it sounds like you may be able to mitigate the situation (even though you’ll have to bend to meet their unreasonable demands). It’s certainly better than the alternative!

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