Reply from Grand Forks Humane Society
Here is an email I got this morning - a reply from Circle of Friends (HS). I replied asking them if they had any search staff.
Tobysmybaby - I think you had better call them. Your dad CAN be charged - but that is up to you and your aunt. Have you called her?
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Thank you for your email. Abandoned animals are not unusual when working at an animal shelter. Most states do not prosecute those who abandon animals unless it can be proven that they were abandoned with intent to do the animal harm. In the state of North Dakota, humane society personnel have not been given the authority to charge/cite people with cruelty/neglect or investigate instances of the same. That authority lies with law enforcement agencies only. We are a shelter whose first priority is to accept and care for all stray and abandoned animals. If the cat can be found and brought to us we will certainly do the best we can to find the pet a home. We do not, however, have any authority to prosecute this person. If charges were to be filed, that would have to be done by the aunt who owned the cat or by the daughter who has information about the abandonment in cooperation with their local law enforcement.
Thank you again for your email. Again, should the cat be found and brought to us we will do the best we can to find a home.
Arlette Moen
Executive Director
Circle of Friends Humane Society
Phone=701-775-3732
Fax=701-787-3032
[email protected]
www.gfpets.com
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