How long can a dog go without care or monetary support by the owner before it is considered "abandoned?" (state of Pennsylvania)

Answered on Mar 13, 2014

Abandonment in PA is generally tied to both a physical act and an intent. That is some think that must be proven. As a practical matter, attorneys have to be creative in these types of cases. PA has a bailment statute and it would be interesting to argue that you have improved the animal and maintain a possessory lien. You would argue that you should not have to return the animal until the lien is satisfied. This is all fact dependent but it is an interesting situation.