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. The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint.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 these cases, the replevin court can issue a judgment for you to take immediate possession of the animal without prior notice to the defendant. 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. In the action of replevin, under the Code, the jury are required to assess the value of the property, and damages for its detention.