Under New York Law, replevin is the correct cause of action to bring against a person who refuses to give you your comfort animal back. Basically, replevin is a term used to describe suing for the return of property, which is known as "chattel." Pets generally fall into the "chattel" category. Rincker Law can help parties negotiate, litigate or mediate dog possession cases after a breakup. 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. Justice Ventura's decision is, at a minimum, a primer on the factors a court might consider if you find yourself in the middle of a companion animal dispute. Consider first a lawyer letter seeking return of the dog to avoid litigation. In other words, in a replevin action the remedy sought is the return of detained property plus incidental damages. You can file a replevin action on your own. The forms are fairly straightforward and available from the clerk of the court.