who has rights? (ownership issue)

I had posted about my friend Shannon's cat needing a home earlier (in another sub-forum). Tabitha, the kitty, has been bounced from home to home, and the previous 'owner' (calling her B for now) stopped sending money to Shannon for food and litter months ago. Shannon has been fostering her for B and i found out today that Shannon is the second person to foster this cat for B. the previous person had her for two years.

Well, last night, B visited Shannon's house. She wants her cat back. She has no ability to take care of Tabitha, either financially (herself sleeping on friends' couches and getting unemployment), or emotionally (she went ballistic when Shannon told her Tab was on medication to calm her down). Another of Shannon's friends, who comes over and helps her around the house, is the boyfriend of a friend of B's (kinda getting soap-opera-ish). He paid Shannon back for the latest vet costs, and has been helping as much as he can. B is apparently staying on their couch right now. But it's coming out of his pocket, not B's.

Following this? I know, it's confusing. I'm still a little befuddled myself.

So, Shannon is wondering if she has the right to get licensing and such, and consider herself (or the guy) Tab's owner? B wants Tab back, but Shannon knows full well the girl cannot take care of her. So who has legal rights over Tab, Shannon or B? Any clue?

Technically, from my understanding, Tab is abandoned by B... should have technically been ages ago when Tab was under the care of the other foster person. Shannon will stand up for Tab no matter what. She's looking at what's in the best interest for Tab, not B. She can't fully care for Tab herself, she already has two and Tab doesn't really like them much.

Any thoughts?

She's been looking up the county codes on it and can't find much. I have an attorney friend I've also thought of asking, but he may not know either... not his field of expertise.

That makes me think of a time when I contemplated going to law school... to be an attorney for the pets that don't have a voice... and to be well versed in those laws...

I think it's considered a 'property' issue. I hate thinking of cats as property, but the laws haven't caught up with us smart people yet.

Amanda

I emailed my lawyer friend, who also knows Shannon. He told me to have her contact him. That he can help settle the issue. Shannon and I want what's best for Tabitha. She's a total sweetie with people... loves attention, etc... she's not too keen on other cats, but is getting better... with medication.

She was telling me the latest news (with the guy friend helping to pay) while i was walking under a freeway overpass to pick up Jack's ashes... she also talks really fast... so it's hard to understand her sometimes.

Hopefully this can all be squared away. We're still hoping to find her a good forever home. Shannon can't keep her forever. She'd love to, but her loyalty is toward her other two, who Tab has been a bit aggressive toward. She knows B is not the best owner for Tab, so we're trying to find her a better home... If Shannon can legally claim ownership, then she can also legally surrender her to a rescue. If B is considered the owner, then Shannon can't do much.

Amanda

our lawyer friend responded to me. I forwarded the note to have her contact him. He'll be able to help.

I used to volunteer at the county shelter... while the ACO's there are pretty cool, some of the others... ehh, not so much. At least when it comes to cats. I left over differences in how the cats should be treated... I needed a break anyway.

I think they would rule in Shannon's favor... B is unstable at best. But we'll see.

Thanks gang!