#PropertyRights #AnimalOwnership #Homesteading #LegalAdvice
So you’ve found yourself in a bit of a hairy situation, where the previous homeowners left behind chickens, goats, and even a peacock on the property you just purchased. The question now arises – who legally owns these animals now that you are the new property owner? 🐔🐐
Let’s break it down for you in a clear and informative manner:
## Legal Ownership of Animals
1. In most cases, animals are considered personal property under the law. This means that just like any other possession or item left behind, the animals now belong to the new property owner – you.
2. Since these animals were not specifically mentioned in your agreement of sale, it further solidifies your claim to ownership.
## Care and Responsibility
1. As a responsible homeowner, you have taken on the task of caring for these animals and ensuring their wellbeing. The previous owners relinquished their ownership when they left the animals behind and did not make any arrangements for their care.
## Dealing with Previous Owners
1. It’s understandable that the previous owners may have formed an attachment to these animals, but legally they no longer have a claim to them.
2. If the previous owners attempt to reclaim the animals, they would be overstepping their rights as the animals now belong to you.
## Legal Recourse
1. If the previous owners were to trespass on your property and attempt to take the animals, you have the right to pursue legal action against them for trespassing and theft.
2. It’s important to document any interactions or attempts made by the previous owners to reclaim the animals, as this can serve as evidence in a potential legal dispute.
In conclusion, legally speaking, you are the rightful owner of the animals that were left behind on the property you purchased. You have taken on the responsibility of caring for them and ensuring their wellbeing. If the previous owners try to reclaim the animals, you have the right to protect your property and pursue legal action if necessary.
Remember, it’s always best to seek legal advice in situations like these to ensure that your rights as a property owner are protected. 🏡🐓🐐
Typically stuff like that is considered property so if they left the property there and you talked about keeping them, then realistically, if they tried to come and claim them or take them, that would be trespassing and theft. You should just be straight up with them and let them know these are your animals now and you’ve been taking care of them and you’re going to be keeping them. They start to make a big stink. You should let them know that they are not allowed on your property and they try to come there they would be trespassed. Might be a good idea to get cameras if you don’t already have some.
You do.
Check your purchase agreement. Standard language usually is that you own all property left behind at the time of purchase, and livestock are property.
What was your agreement with the sellers at the time you bought the property?
> They wanted buyers who were willing to keep the animals here
This makes it sound like they willingly gave you the animals. Also, most standard real estate contracts have a default “everything that’s left” clause at the end that says anything left at closing belongs to the new owners, if it’s not specifically addressed in the contract
If the understanding was, even verbally, that the livestock stayed with the property that’s it. It’s yours. They can’t decide later to take them because they a) don’t like how you’re raising them b) found a place they like for the animals better or c) any other reason. They’re yours
If they want them, just let them know they need to pay $300/month/animal for boarding. That’s actually a reasonable rate if you check stables and animal boarding facilities. I’m sure $2,100 per animal would be a deterrent.
Best case scenario: they feel bad about abandoning these animals, and if you let them know that the animals are happy and thriving under your care, the guilt will be assuaged and they will let it go.
In the US, animals are considered property. The animals they left behind are abandoned property. Enjoy your animals and keep taking good care of them!
You may have to look at local laws (like county level) on livestock rules. They can get weirdly specific.