A Farmington civil lawsuit involving a disputed dog ownership claim is moving toward a judge’s decision after mediation failed to resolve conflicting accounts over how the animal was recovered and why it was kept.

The case is pending in San Juan County Magistrate Court, where a Farmington woman alleges her dog was unlawfully taken and withheld following an incident in October 2025. She is seeking the return of the dog along with monetary damages, interest, and court costs.

Plaintiff Alleges Dog Was Taken

In the civil complaint, the plaintiff claims her dog was “kidnapped” and wrongfully kept by the defendant. The filing frames the dispute as both a property matter involving an animal and an unlawful taking, alleging the defendant refused to return the dog after it went missing.

No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations.

Defendant Disputes Kidnapping Claim

In his court response, the defendant strongly disputes the allegation that the dog was taken. According to the defense filing, the dog ran away from the plaintiff’s residence and later appeared while accompanying a puppy belonging to the defendant’s brother.

The defendant states that once he became aware the dog was missing, he and his family actively searched for the animals and used social media to try to locate their owners. The response indicates that posts were made on Facebook seeking the return of the puppy and attempting to identify who the dog belonged to.

According to the defense, those efforts eventually led to contact through social media, and the dog was recovered. The defendant claims the animal was brought into his home temporarily for safety, not concealed or hidden, and that no effort was made to prevent the plaintiff from locating the dog.

Care Provided After Recovery

Court records indicate the defendant took the dog to a veterinarian shortly after it was recovered. The defense filing states the dog received vaccinations and was scheduled for additional veterinary care, including a spay procedure.

The defendant further claims the dog adjusted quickly to the household and was provided food, shelter, and medical care. The response also disputes the monetary damages claimed in the lawsuit, asserting the plaintiff is not entitled to the amount sought.

Mediation Fails to Resolve Dispute

The parties were ordered to mediation late last year, but court filings show the effort did not result in a settlement. An outcome report filed in December indicates no agreement was reached, allowing the case to proceed.

The matter is now set to be decided by a judge, who will weigh the competing accounts over how the dog was recovered, whether it was wrongfully withheld, and whether the plaintiff is entitled to its return or damages.

As with all civil cases, the claims and defenses remain allegations until the court issues a ruling.