The law treats pets as property, meaning that finding a lost animal does not automatically transfer ownership to the finder, according to consumer lawyer Dean Dunham.
This principle applies even if the finder has cared for the animal, provided it with veterinary treatment, and purchased supplies. The original owner’s rights remain valid unless they have demonstrably abandoned the pet. To reclaim a pet, the original owner must provide convincing evidence of ownership, such as photographs, veterinary records, or witness accounts. A lack of effort by the owner to locate a lost pet, particularly if weeks pass before they surface, can weaken their claim.
In England, since June 2024, cats over 20 weeks old are legally required to be microchipped. A cat found without a microchip may indicate a breach of this requirement by the original owner, potentially strengthening the finder's argument for abandonment.
Dunham advises individuals who have found a pet to ask the claimant for proof of ownership and details of their search efforts. Keeping records of all veterinary expenses and efforts made to find the owner is also recommended. In cases of dispute, seeking tailored legal advice before relinquishing the animal is crucial.
In a separate consumer issue, Dunham addressed a situation where a car hire company failed to provide a booked vehicle. When a customer booked and paid for a hire car, a binding contract was formed. The company’s inability to provide the vehicle upon arrival constitutes a breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which mandates that services must be provided with reasonable care and skill.
The customer is legally entitled to a full refund for the original booking. Furthermore, they may be able to recover additional expenses incurred due to the company's failure, such as the cost of hiring an alternative vehicle. These are known as consequential losses and are recoverable if they directly result from the breach of contract.
Dunham suggests formally writing to the company to demand the refund and claim the additional costs. If the company refuses to cover these extra expenses, the matter can be pursued through a small claims court. Checking payment method, such as credit card, may also offer additional protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.