If the issue were straight breach of contract for services rendered  - the care, feeding, etc.,  - then you could take them to small claims court.  But if you are trying to have them take back the dogs then small claims can not help you.  You could continue to care for the animals and keep doing what you do and keep suing them and getting judgements against them but I am assuming you do not wish to do that. Generally abandoned property can be turned over to the police or state but here they are animals.  You may need to speak with an attorney about the possibility of suing the owners and in some way terminating their rights to the dogs so that you can have them adopted. Good luck.