Co-ownership agreements are becoming popular with breeders.
There may be several reasons why you would enter into a co-ownership agreement for a dog. You may want to cut all ties with your spouse, but can't bear to part with the pooch. A breeder may require co-ownership agreements to make sure the dogs she sells are provided good homes and the kennel name is protected. Co-ownership may also mean the breeder retains the rights to show the dog and share the profits. Whatever the reason, you can cancel the agreement in the same manner you would cancel most other legally-binding contracts.
Instructions
1. Terminate the contract by agreement. In a divorce situation, a spouse may have moved into a no-pets-allowed apartment and is unable to care for the dog during his specified visitation. Out of love for the dog and necessity, the parties may agree to cancel the co-ownership arrangement. Since the custody agreement was made through the courts, any change in its terms may need to be made through the courts by a motion or petition to modify the separation agreement or divorce decree. In the case of a co-ownership agreement between the breeder and a buyer, a written agreement between the parties will suffice to end the contract. Either of these methods may require the services of an attorney to prepare the agreement.
2. Exercise your rights of termination under the co-ownership agreement. There may be provisions inside a co-ownership agreement that automatically terminate it. For instance, if a co-owner fails to provide the agreed-upon regular check-ups by a veterinarian to ensure the health of the dog, or the dog is undernourished or shows other signs of neglect or abuse, the agreement may automatically terminate. Provisions in the agreement may allow you to retake possession of the dog. If abuse or neglect is suspected, state law may require that an animal control agent take possession.
3. File a lawsuit to terminate the agreement. If you feel the other co-owner has violated the agreement's terms and you want out of the contract, you may sue the co-owner for damages and ask the court to end the co-ownership. Examples of possible violations of a co-ownership agreement are: spaying or neutering the pet without consent, refusing to allow the breeder to show the dog or failing to provide quality care as set out in the agreement. The court may not only terminate the agreement at the conclusion of the suit, but it may also award the injured party financial compensation and attorney's fees.
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