The ownership of pets can sometimes become a complicated legal issue, especially when relationships break down. This is the case with Kelo the parrot, whose ownership has recently come into question after a dispute between his original owner, Jane, and her ex-boyfriend, Mark. Kelo originally belonged to Jane, but Mark became very attached to Kelo during their relationship. Now that they have broken up, there is disagreement over who should get to keep Kelo. Determining pet ownership requires looking at legal principles like property rights and gifted property, as well as examining the circumstances surrounding Kelo’s adoption and time spent with each owner. While tricky, figuring out rightful pet ownership ensures the animal’s wellbeing and places them with the owner they are most bonded to.
Who originally adopted Kelo?
Jane originally adopted Kelo from a parrot rescue in 2018. She had been interested in getting a parrot for some time and visited the rescue multiple times to interact with the birds and learn about parrot care. She took Kelo home in March 2018 and he became her beloved pet.
Jane has all the adoption paperwork from the parrot rescue documenting the adoption in her name. The paperwork has important details like Kelo’s microchip number and the adoption fees Jane paid. This documentation helps establish Jane as Kelo’s original legal owner when she voluntarily took possession of him from the rescue.
How did Mark become involved with Kelo?
Jane began dating Mark in 2019. Mark moved into Jane’s home part-time in early 2020 and met Kelo. While previously not a bird person, Mark took an immediate liking to Kelo and would interact with him regularly.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mark moved into Jane’s home full-time. During this time from March to September 2020, Mark was around Kelo all day, every day. Mark would let Kelo out of his cage, feed him, train him, and generally spend time bonding with the parrot. Kelo became very attached to Mark during this period and would call out for him if he was not home.
Who has been caring for Kelo since adopting?
As the original adopter and owner, Jane has been the primary caretaker for Kelo. Some of Jane’s responsibilities include:
- Taking Kelo to annual vet visits for exams, nail trims, and beak grinding
- Arranging for specialized vet care when Kelo had an infected feather follicle in 2019
- Purchasing high quality food, supplements, and toys for Kelo
- Cleaning and disinfecting Kelo’s cage weekly
- Ensuring Kelo gets daily interaction and time out of his cage
While Mark contributed to some care tasks while living with Jane during COVID-19 restrictions, Jane was still primarily responsible for Kelo’s care and wellbeing. The veterinary records for Kelo are all in Jane’s name documenting her role as his caretaker and making medical decisions for him.
How much did each person contribute to Kelo’s expenses?
As Kelo’s original owner, Jane has paid for all major expenses like:
- Adoption fees: $800
- Vet bills: approx $2000
- Cage: $900
- Toys: approx $500
- Food: approx $2000
Mark did not contribute financially to any major Kelo expenses while living with Jane. He may have picked up some incidental items like treats or small toys for Kelo on occasion.
The significant financial contributions Jane has made further demonstrate her role as the primary owner and caretaker.
Who does Kelo appear most bonded with?
While Kelo became very attached to Mark during the time they spent together during COVID-19 restrictions, he still appears most closely bonded with Jane. Some examples of their bond include:
- Kelo steps up eagerly for Jane and screeches excitedly when she gets home
- Jane can handle Kelo more easily than Mark for nail trims and beak grinding
- Kelo allows Jane to give him meds, which he fights against with Mark
- Kelo seeks out Jane for cuddling and responding to his cues for affection
This evidence indicates the strong relationship Jane has formed with Kelo as his caretaker and companion animal. Jane and Kelo have had more time to establish rapport, trust, and training.
How did Mark come to keep Kelo?
When Jane and Mark ended their relationship in September 2020, Mark moved out and initially left Kelo with Jane. A week later, Mark insisted that Kelo had become just as attached to him and asked to take Kelo for visits on weekends. Jane agreed, wanting Kelo to still see Mark.
After a few weekends, Mark refused to return Kelo to Jane one Sunday evening. He sent messages claiming that Kelo was also his pet and that he couldn’t bear to be without him. Mark stopped responding to Jane’s messages asking for Kelo’s return.
Mark still has possession of Kelo against Jane’s wishes today. Mark believes that because of the strong bond he formed with Kelo during COVID-19 restrictions, he has just as much right to keep Kelo. However, the evidence points to Jane as Kelo’s primary owner and caretaker.
Who should have lawful ownership of Kelo?
Based on legal principles regarding property ownership and animal welfare, Jane should retain lawful ownership of Kelo. The key facts supporting Jane’s continued ownership include:
- Jane adopted Kelo and has adoption paperwork proving she lawfully acquired him
- Jane has taken on primary caretaking duties for Kelo’s health and enrichment
- Jane has solely paid for all major Kelo expenses like adoption fees, vet bills, housing, food, and toys
- Kelo shares a strong bond with Jane and she can handle his care more readily
Mark’s attachment to Kelo developed while temporarily living with Jane and Kelo. While their bond is meaningful, it does not supersede Jane’s legal ownership status.
Jane should work with legal counsel to send Mark official notice to return Kelo or face potential legal action. Kelo’s wellbeing is best served by reuniting him with his lawful owner, Jane.
Conclusion
Pet ownership can become complicated when relationships change, but ultimately the animal’s wellbeing should come first. By looking at legal ownership status, caretaking duties, financial contributions, and human-animal bonding, Jane has the strongest case for retaining rightful ownership of her parrot, Kelo. Taking steps to officially demand Kelo’s return will hopefully result in an amicable resolution and see this beloved pet reunited with his originally intended owner and lifelong companion.
