Replevin applies to personal property which would include a dog in mass. Is the dog registered?A writ of seizure through a replevin action is one of the few ways the law allows animal owners to recover the family members that they love. In other words, in a replevin action the remedy sought is the return of detained property plus incidental damages. People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can commence a civil lawsuit, such as a replevin action, to try to get the animal returned. We live in Massachusetts. Lawyer's Assistant: Have you talked to a MA lawyer about this? People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can commence a civil lawsuit (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned. The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. Customer: I was a defedent in a Writ of Replevin over a dog.