Help ASAP! I'm being wrongfully accused of animal neglect and inhumane treatment of an animal!?

I took our sick bird to the vet. Asked specifically to be called after the bird was seen to discuss treatment plans/diagnosis. No call and 19 hours later, I called to inquire about the bird. Diagnosis was severe, less than 50% chance of survival. We needed to discuss whether or not it was in ours as well as the birds best interest to treat the bird or let it go. We asked what the bill was and the vet tech told us, so far over $100 which was for tests, blood work, antibiotics, office visit, overnight stay, etc. I never authorized any treatment, never signed any consent form. I asked to be called BEFORE any treatment was given. This vet is known for this as he is the ONLY avian vet in town! They said, you either come pick up the bird in 30 minutes and pay the bill in full or we're not giving back your bird! 2 days later we get a search warrant, they find NOTHING wrong with any of our animals, 2 days after that we get papers served for these charges. I'm at a loss here.

I agree with whip. GET A LAWYER!!!!

They are using the law in a NOT ethical manner so if you hire a atorrny make sure you sounter sue them for grieve, emotional loss, ext. Wow, I can't believe they did that. Crazy. I hope and pray to God you win this case.

get a good attorney and sue him for slander and breech of character.

Get a lawyer, but you won't win a slander suit. I would have picked the bird up, paid the bill. Then what ever. Do remember now a days we will put a person in prison longer for animal abuse than child abuse. Nutty society. I would have not left the bird there to start with. I would have stayed until the vet had seen the bird, and taken it home until the tests came back. Of coarse he can charge you for taking care of the bird. If the bird needs to be put down, I wouldn't take it there. Do file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

It may be best to get a lawyer. If you can not afford a lawyer, call (or look online) for free legal aid services. These can usually be found through your county and state's websites or your state attorney general's website. [There is economic criteria which you must meet to get free help. Some services will advise you while you represent yourself; others will represent (physically show up in court for/with you.]

Don't wait. (And, if I were you, I would take pictures of the animals and home and mail them to myself (hand canceled), leave the the envelope sealed (postmark readable, in tact) -- as evidence of how the animals & home looked when I received the warrant. It's just evidence in the event you represent yourself or if ever needed. It could be persuasive in your favor.

So sorry you're going through this. Some people can be such slugs!!

NOTE: I am NOT a lawyer.

Good luck to you.