John's got the right of it...unless the police are in "hot pursuit" of a criminal suspect or have reason to believe a crime is being committed in your home, they have NO right to enter the premises without a search warrant. And it is highly unlikely that a judge is going to issue a search warrant on a peaceful household to find an "extra" dog or two.
So, if the police show up at your door and want to come in and count your dogs, just ask for their search warrant. If they give you some kind of paper that supposedly authorizes then, politely return it to them and refuse them entry. A search warrant must name the address to be search and specifically identify what they are looking to find. Each premises must have its own warrant. And if the cops don't produce one, YOU do not have to let them in. Don't.
Now, go have a nice cup of tea and relax! |